The Cloisters

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 240 min.

Ages: 12+

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The Cloisters is a unique museum located in Upper Manhattan, New York City, dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. A tourist visiting The Cloisters can expect to be transported back in time and experience the beauty and grandeur of the medieval period. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 5,000 artifacts from the 12th through the 15th centuries, including illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, tapestries, and stained glass windows. The building itself is a work of art, designed to resemble a medieval monastery, with stunning views of the Hudson River and the surrounding gardens. Visitors can take guided tours, attend lectures and concerts, and participate in interactive workshops to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of medieval Europe. The serene and peaceful atmosphere of The Cloisters provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it an ideal destination for anyone interested in art, history, and architecture. Overall, The Cloisters is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique cultural experience in New York City.

99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040 Get Directions





The Cloisters Videos

What’s the biggest book you’ve ever seen? See how this one stacks up as Collections Manager Holly Phillips shares the rare and majestic high-fidelity pages of “The Sistine Chapel.” Printed in six-color offset lithography, this trilogy features frescoes from the Sistine Chapel in one-to-one scale, color matched to original frescoes. ⁣ Want to visit @metlibrary? Tap the link in bio to learn how to schedule a time or get a library card. 📖 Callaway Arts & Entertainment (2020). Page from one of three volumes of “The Sistine Chapel.” Six-color offset lithography on paper. Watson Library is grateful to Estrellita and Daniel Brodsky for funding the acquisition of The Sistine Chapel Trilogy. #MuseumLibraryWeek Subscribe for new content from The Met: https://www.youtube.com/user/metmuseum #TheMet #Art #TheMetropolitanMuseumofArt #Museum © 2023 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Murad Khan Mumtaz, Assistant Professor, Williams College As a young prince, Dara Shikoh (1615–1659), heir to the Mughal throne, compiled an album for his fiancée, Nadira Banu Begum. The album celebrates the theme of union through various visual and literary metaphors, including the conspicuous presence of dervishes shown viewing princes and princesses in idyllic garden settings. In this talk, join Murad Khan Mumtaz, Assistant Professor, Williams College, to explore how depictions of Muslim ascetics in this album aided in constructing the courtly persona of Dara Shikoh as a locus of godly manifestation within Indo-Muslim devotional culture. The lecture series is made possible by The Norbert Schimmel Trust.

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon, one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, with a calligraphy video demonstrating four script types, including seal script, clerical script, standard script, and semicursive/cursive script. Using brush and ink, scholar and artist Zheng Wei 鄭威 deftly shows the skills required to form the character for dragon in four different ways, proceeding from the most ancient—seal script—through the different script types of Chinese calligraphy. Grab your brush and ink and give calligraphy a try to commemorate the Lunar New Year! Learn about Astor Court: https://youtu.be/8MkL3W6wU3g Subscribe for new content from The Met: https://www.youtube.com/user/metmuseum #TheMet #Art #TheMetropolitanMuseumofArt #Museum © 2023 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Music by Shawn E. Okpebholo (b. 1981) Text by Tsitsi Ella Jaji (b. 1976) Karen Slack, sopranoReginald Mobley, countertenor Will Liverman, baritone Howard Watkins, piano Conceived and commissioned by Sparks & Wiry Cries In 2019, Cornell University started “Freedom on the Move,” a database of “runaway ads” from the United States’s early newspapers—names, dates, descriptions, rewards. These ads, placed by enslavers, preserve snapshots of more than 30,000 enslaved individuals who took their fates into their own hands, liberating themselves from a cruel, ugly cycle whose effects ripple to this day. With “Freedom on the Move" as a starting point, composer Shawn Okpebholo and Duke University professor Dr. Tsitsi Ella Jaji bring these individual stories to life through song. This groundbreaking work promises to question the notions of liberty and freedom that our country holds so dear.  For more information and a complete list of artists, view the performance program at https://www.metmuseum.org/-/media/files/events/programs/MetLiveArts-House-Programs-2022-23/230112-songs-in-flight?_gl=1*1jwdgmm*_ga*NjI5NzM2MjMyLjE2ODY3NTg5NDM.*_ga_Y0W8DGNBTB*MTY4OTA5MTU1My40NC4xLjE2ODkwOTIwMjguMC4wLjA. “Songs in Flight” was made possible by the Frank & Lydia Bergen Foundation, the Adrienne Arsht Fund for Resilience through Art, Douglas Dockery Thomas, and an anonymous foundation. Recorded at the World Premiere on Thursday, January 12, 2023 in The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, The Met Fifth Avenue Subscribe for new content from The Met: https://www.youtube.com/user/metmuseum #TheMet #Art #TheMetropolitanMuseumofArt #Museum © 2024 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

At the Purchaser’s Option words and music by Rhiannon Giddens (b. 1977) “prologue: oh freedom” from Songs in Flight Music by Shawn E. Okpebholo (b. 1981) Traditional text, curated by Tsitsi Ella Jaji (b. 1976) Rhiannon Giddens, voice and banjo Howard Watkins, piano “Songs in Flight” was conceived and commissioned by Sparks & Wiry Cries In 2019, Cornell University started “Freedom on the Move,” a database of “runaway ads” from the United States’s early newspapers—names, dates, descriptions, rewards. These ads, placed by enslavers, preserve snapshots of more than 30,000 enslaved individuals who took their fates into their own hands, liberating themselves from a cruel, ugly cycle whose effects ripple to this day. With “Freedom on the Move" as a starting point, composer Shawn Okpebholo and Duke University professor Dr. Tsitsi Ella Jaji bring these individual stories to life through song. This groundbreaking work promises to question the notions of liberty and freedom that our country holds so dear.  For more information and a complete list of artists, view the performance program at https://www.metmuseum.org/-/media/files/events/programs/MetLiveArts-House-Programs-2022-23/230112-songs-in-flight?_gl=1*1jwdgmm*_ga*NjI5NzM2MjMyLjE2ODY3NTg5NDM.*_ga_Y0W8DGNBTB*MTY4OTA5MTU1My40NC4xLjE2ODkwOTIwMjguMC4wLjA. “Songs in Flight” was made possible by the Frank & Lydia Bergen Foundation, the Adrienne Arsht Fund for Resilience through Art, Douglas Dockery Thomas, and an anonymous foundation. Recorded at the World Premiere on Thursday, January 12, 2023 in The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, The Met Fifth Avenue Subscribe for new content from The Met: https://www.youtube.com/user/metmuseum #TheMet #Art #TheMetropolitanMuseumofArt #Museum © 2023 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Join curators Stephan Wolohojian, Adam Eaker, David Pullins, and Anna-Claire Stinebring along with their special guests as they guide you through the newly reopened galleries dedicated to European Paintings from 1300 to 1800. The reconfigured galleries highlight fresh narratives and dialogues among more than 700 works of art from the Museum’s world-famous holdings, which include recently acquired paintings and prestigious loans, as well as select sculptures and decorative art, showcase the interconnectedness of cultures, materials, and moments across The Met collection. Learn more about the new galleries at https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions... Artwork: Max Beckmann, The Beginning, 1946-49, © 2024 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Elaine de Kooning, Self-Portrait, 1946, © Elaine De Kooning Trust Kerry James Marshall, Untitled (Studio), 2014, © Kerry James Marshall Henri Matisse, Three O’Clock Sitting, 1924, © 2024 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Pablo Picasso, The Blind Man’s Meal, 1903, © 2024 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Video produced by SandenWolff and The Met: Managing Producer: Kate Farrell Producer: Melissa Bell Production Coordinator: Lela Jenkins Production Assistant: Tess Solot-Kehl Director: Jonathan Sanden Interviewer/Story Editor: Rachel Wolff Camera: Jonathan Sanden, Noah Therrien, Nate Reininga Editors: Hannah Kaylor, Jonathan Sanden Music: Jamendo, Premium BeatSubscribe for new content from The Met: https://www.youtube.com/user/metmuseum #TheMet #Art #TheMetropolitanMuseumofArt #Museum © 2023 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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CIRCLE LINE'S Annual Oktoberfest Cruise to Bear Mountain State Park Begins Weekends

Circle Line, home of New York City's most iconic sightseeing cruises, is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Bear Mountain Cruise, featuring Oktoberfest-themed food, drinks, and music.

Kinesis Project Dance Theatre and Opera On Tap Present CAPACITY, OR: THE WORK OF CRACKLING

Don't miss the breathtaking performance of 'Capacity, or: The Work of Crackling' by Kinesis Project Dance Theatre and Opera On Tap as part of Summer on the Hudson. Find out more and get the full schedule on our website.

Kinesis Project Dance Theatre To Present CAPACITY, OR: THE WORK OF CRACKLING At Snug Harbor Dance Festival

Kinesis Project dance theatre will present Capacity, or: the Work of Crackling at the Snug Harbor Dance Festival from September 23-24, 2023 at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

Han Chen to Perform György Ligeti's 18 Etudes and New Commissions at National Sawdust

Join pianist Han Chen at National Sawdust on September 24, 2023, for a captivating solo recital featuring György Ligeti's remarkable 18 Etudes and new commissions from talented composers. Celebrating Ligeti's centenary birthday, this concert promises an unforgettable evening of piano music.

South Street Seaport Museum to Present Forging Maritime History Event This Month

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Queer|Art Reveals New Mentors For 2024 Queer|Art|Mentorship Program Cycle

Queer|Art, NYC's home for the creative and professional development of LGBTQ+ artists, has announced the new Mentors for the 2024 Queer|Art|Mentorship (QAM) program cycle. The Mentorship program is the cornerstone of Queer|Art's work, providing a platform of support for LGBTQ+ artists focused on creative issues and long-term sustainability of artistic practice.

American Modern Opera Company With The Cathedral Of St. John The Divine Presents John Adams' EL NIÑO: NATIVITY RECONSIDERED

American Modern Opera Company (AMOC) and The Cathedral of St. John the Divine present contemporary composer John Adams' El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered with libretto by Peter Sellars and concept by Julia Bullock on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 7:30pm at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, (at 112th Street) in Manhattan.

Stage Coach Theatre to Hold Auditions for Production of THE CURIOUS SAVAGE

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University of Adelaide's Little Theatre to Stage Australian Premiere of TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS

The University of Adelaide's Little Theatre will stage the Australian premiere of Tiny Beautiful Things by Nia Vardalos. Based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed (Wild) and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Tiny Beautiful Things personifies the questions and answers that “Sugar” published online between 2010-2012. The production opens on Thursday, March 10th at 7:30pm and plays until March 20th. Dates and showtimes are March 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, and19th at 7:30pm. Matinées are to be held on Sundays, March 13th and March 20th at 4pm.

BWW Review: MEASURE FOR MEASURE, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Life in the UK at the moment feels uncannily like we’re going through a ‘Worst of the 70s’ playlist: periods of no economic growth, food shortages, an increase in the cost of living, and rumblings over a referendum on Europe. There was also an attempt to kickstart the conversation about equality between the sexes, with the formation of the Women’s Liberation Movement. It’s little wonder, then, that this version of Measure for Measure seems so familiar – hint: it’s not just the perennially relevant themes of the play that hit home.

New England Conservatory Announces Fall Master Class Series

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Kinesis Project Dance Theatre to Present Pop-Up Performances On Little Island

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Kinesis Project Dance Theatre Presents BREATHING WITH STRANGERS as Part of Art Omi's Light Into Night

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The Met's Electronic Music Performance Series 'Sonic Cloisters' Continues July 8

Each artist or pair of artists will present an exclusive, site-specific production inspired by The Met's medieval art collection and the singular architecture of the cloisters and gardens. The series is conceived by MetLiveArts in collaboration with Shawn Schwartz, founder of the famed Brooklyn electronic music venues Halcyon and Output.


The Cloisters Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to The Cloisters

The closest subway stops to The Cloisters at 99 Margaret Corbin Dr in New York City are the A train at 190th Street and the 1 train at 191st Street. Both stations are located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, just a short walk away from the museum.

If you're planning to visit The Cloisters, I highly recommend taking some time to explore the beautiful Fort Tryon Park, which surrounds the museum. It offers stunning views of the Hudson River and is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. You can also check out the Heather Garden within the park, which is known for its vibrant flowers and serene atmosphere.

For the latest subway updates and service changes, I recommend checking the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at https://new.mta.info/. This will provide you with real-time information on any delays or disruptions that may affect your journey.

Enjoy your visit to The Cloisters and have a wonderful time exploring this hidden gem in New York City!


What's the best way to get to The Cloisters by bus?

The Cloisters, located at 99 Margaret Corbin Dr in New York City, is a beautiful museum and garden that showcases medieval art and architecture. While there are no bus stops directly in front of The Cloisters, there are several nearby options that will get you close to your destination.

The closest bus stop to The Cloisters is the one at Fort Tryon Park, which is served by the M4 bus. This stop is located at the intersection of Cabrini Boulevard and Fort Washington Avenue, just a short walk from The Cloisters. You can check for updates on the M4 bus schedule and route on the official MTA website: MTA.info.

Another option is to take the M100 bus, which stops at the intersection of Broadway and 190th Street. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk to The Cloisters. You can find the latest information on the M100 bus schedule and route on the MTA website as well.

If you prefer to use a mapping app to plan your journey, I recommend using Google Maps or the MTA's official app, called "MTA Subway Time." These apps provide real-time updates on bus routes, schedules, and any service changes.

Remember to check for any updates or changes to bus routes before your visit, as schedules can vary. Enjoy your trip to The Cloisters and have a wonderful time exploring the medieval treasures it has to offer!


How much time should I plan to spend at The Cloisters?

The Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park, is a unique museum that showcases medieval European art and architecture. To fully appreciate this gem, I recommend planning to spend at least half a day there. This will allow you ample time to explore the museum's stunning collection, stroll through the serene gardens, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

With its tranquil setting overlooking the Hudson River, The Cloisters offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take your time to wander through the various galleries, admiring the intricate tapestries, illuminated manuscripts, and exquisite sculptures. Don't miss the famous Unicorn Tapestries, which are a highlight of the collection.

After immersing yourself in the art, make sure to explore the beautiful gardens surrounding The Cloisters. They are designed to evoke the spirit of medieval Europe and provide a serene backdrop for contemplation or a leisurely stroll.

If you have more time to spare, consider joining one of the museum's guided tours or attending a special exhibition or event. The Cloisters often hosts lectures, concerts, and workshops that further enhance the visitor experience.

Remember to check the museum's website for any updates on opening hours and ticketing information. And don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views and architectural details!

In conclusion, to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of The Cloisters, plan to spend at least half a day exploring the museum, gardens, and taking in the atmosphere. Enjoy your visit!


Can I bring food and drinks into The Cloisters?

The Cloisters, located in northern Manhattan, is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. While The Cloisters does not have a restaurant or café on-site, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum. There are also several nearby parks and green spaces where you can sit and enjoy a meal. Just be sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of any trash properly. Please note that alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the grounds of The Cloisters.


Does The Cloisters offer luggage storage?

The Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, is a museum dedicated to medieval art and architecture. While it does not have its own luggage storage facilities, there are a few options available to visitors.

If you are traveling with a small bag or backpack, you can bring it with you into the museum. However, larger bags, suitcases, or items that may be considered cumbersome are not permitted inside. It's always a good idea to check the museum's website or contact their visitor services for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

If you need to store your luggage while visiting The Cloisters, there are several luggage storage services available throughout the city. These services typically charge a fee per bag and offer secure storage options. Some popular luggage storage companies in New York City include Vertoe, LuggageHero, and Schwartz Luggage Storage.

Alternatively, if you are staying at a hotel in the city, you can inquire with the front desk about storing your luggage there. Many hotels offer luggage storage services for their guests, even after check-out.

Remember to plan ahead and check the specific policies of the museum or storage service you choose to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit to The Cloisters.


Is The Cloisters a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Absolutely! The Cloisters is a wonderful destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. Located in Fort Tryon Park, this branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Its serene atmosphere, stunning gardens, and breathtaking views of the Hudson River make it a must-visit spot for tourists.

While English is the primary language spoken at The Cloisters, the museum provides multilingual audio guides in several languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. These guides offer detailed explanations of the artwork and historical context, ensuring that non-English speakers can fully appreciate the exhibits.

Additionally, The Cloisters' visual nature allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of the artwork and architecture without relying solely on language. The intricate tapestries, ornate sculptures, and meticulously crafted stained glass windows speak to the artistic mastery of the medieval period, transcending language barriers.

Overall, The Cloisters offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors from all over the world, regardless of their language proficiency. It's a place where art and history come alive, and where the beauty of the medieval era can be appreciated by all.


What ages are appropriate for The Cloisters?

The Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to medieval art and architecture. While there is no strict age restriction, the recommended age range for visitors to The Cloisters is generally 12 years and older. The museum's exhibits and collections may be more appreciated by older children and adults who have an interest in art history and medieval culture. However, younger children can still enjoy the beautiful gardens and the peaceful atmosphere of the park surrounding The Cloisters.


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