By The Met Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe. Perched atop a hill in northern Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park, this peaceful museum is designed like a European monastery, housing treasures from the Romanesque and Gothic periods — including stained glass, tapestries, sculptures, and sacred spaces. 🕊️🌿🛐
📍 Where Is The Met Cloisters?
📍 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040
🗺️ Located in Washington Heights, Upper Manhattan
🚇 Subway:
- A train to 190th Street (then walk 10 minutes through the park)
🚌 M4 bus goes directly to the entrance
🏛️ What You’ll See on The Tour
- 🧱 Four reconstructed cloisters from actual French medieval abbeys
- 🎨 Masterpieces of medieval art from the 9th–15th centuries
- 🪟 Stunning stained glass from Gothic churches
- 🐉 The famous “Unicorn Tapestries” — vibrant, mythic, and mysterious
- ⛪ Altarpieces, manuscripts, reliquaries, and carved wood & stone
- 🌿 Herb and flower gardens inspired by medieval monastery gardens
- 🕯️ Atmospheric architecture that feels like a European time capsule
🕒 When Can I Visit?
🕰️ Open Thursday to Tuesday, 10 AM – 5 PM
🚫 Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
🎟️ Included with general admission to The Met (same ticket as The Met Fifth Avenue)
🎧 How Can I Tour It?
✅ Options include:
- Self-guided tour using museum map and signage
- 🎧 Met app audio guide (includes info on major works and architecture)
- 🧑🏫 Occasional guided tours or talks — check the website or ask at the info desk
❓ The Met Cloisters Tour – FAQ
1️⃣ What is The Met Cloisters?
A branch of the Met Museum dedicated to medieval European art and architecture, located in a building modeled after actual monasteries.
2️⃣ Is it part of the same ticket as The Met Fifth Avenue?
✅ Yes! One ticket grants you same-day access to:
- The Met Fifth Avenue
- The Met Cloisters
- The Met Breuer (now closed, but ticket still applies to both remaining branches)
3️⃣ How long should I plan to stay?
🕐 About 1.5–2.5 hours is ideal
📸 Take time to enjoy the peaceful gardens and panoramic views of the Hudson River
4️⃣ Is it kid-friendly?
👨👩👧👦 Yes — especially for curious kids who love castles, dragons, and mythology
- The unicorn tapestries are especially fun
- No-touch policy, but the space is atmospheric and calming
5️⃣ Can I take photos?
📸 Yes — non-flash photography is allowed
🚫 No flash, tripods, or selfie sticks
6️⃣ Is it accessible?
♿ Partially
- Some historic sections may be difficult to access
- Elevators and ramps are available, but some uneven stone flooring may limit mobility
🚻 Accessible restrooms available
7️⃣ Is there food or a café onsite?
☕ The on-site café is currently closed, but nearby options are limited
🧺 Bring a picnic and enjoy Fort Tryon Park before or after your visit
8️⃣ When is the best time to visit?
| Season | Perks |
|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring/Summer | Gardens in bloom, beautiful outdoor photos |
| 🍂 Fall | Stunning Hudson River foliage |
| ❄️ Winter | Quiet, peaceful, cozy indoors with candlelit vibes |
✅ Bonus Tips
- 🧭 Pair with a stroll through Fort Tryon Park and its scenic overlooks
- 📚 Brush up on medieval history for extra context — especially the Unicorn Tapestries
- 🗺️ Combine with a visit to the main Met if you’re planning a full art day
- 🎟️ Tickets available online or at either location — no need to book separately
🎟 Want help planning your Met Cloisters visit with highlights, garden walks, and photo tips?
Let me know! I’ll help you create a peaceful, art-filled escape full of history, mystery, and medieval magic 🏰🧵🌿🖼️
🏰 The Met Cloisters Tour – FAQ
Planning a visit to The Met Cloisters? Tucked away in the peaceful hills of northern Manhattan, this museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience where art, nature, and history meet. Here’s everything you need to know for your visit to this medieval treasure. 🌿🛐🖼️
1️⃣ What is The Met Cloisters?
The Met Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to European medieval art and architecture, housed in a building designed to resemble a medieval monastery.
It features:
- Original cloisters from French abbeys
- Unicorn Tapestries
- Gothic and Romanesque sculpture, stained glass, and manuscripts
- Peaceful gardens inspired by medieval horticulture
2️⃣ Where is it located?
📍 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040
🗺️ In Washington Heights, Upper Manhattan
🚇 Subway: Take the A train to 190th Street, then walk through Fort Tryon Park (~10 minutes)
🚌 M4 bus stops right at the museum entrance
3️⃣ Is it included with my Met ticket?
✅ Yes!
Your general Met admission ticket includes same-day access to:
- 🏛️ The Met Fifth Avenue
- 🏰 The Met Cloisters
You don’t need to buy a separate ticket.
4️⃣ What are the must-see highlights?
- 🧵 The Unicorn Tapestries (15th century) – famous and mysterious textile masterpieces
- 🌿 Herb & flower gardens based on medieval texts
- 💠 Stained glass windows from Gothic cathedrals
- ✝️ Stone tomb effigies, altarpieces, and religious artifacts
- 🧱 Reconstructed Romanesque and Gothic cloisters
5️⃣ Is there a guided tour?
🎧 Yes — options include:
- The Met app audio guide (free with museum Wi-Fi)
- 📜 Self-guided using printed maps and exhibit signs
- 🗣️ Check at the front desk for seasonal guided tours or gallery talks
6️⃣ How long should I plan to stay?
🕐 A full visit typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Add time if you want to explore Fort Tryon Park or have a picnic nearby
7️⃣ Can I take photos?
📸 Yes — non-flash photography is allowed
🚫 No flash, tripods, or selfie sticks
🌸 The gardens and cloisters are especially beautiful for photos in spring/summer
8️⃣ Is The Cloisters accessible?
♿ Partially accessible
- Many galleries are wheelchair-accessible
- Some original medieval flooring and stairs may be challenging
- Elevators available to main levels
🚻 Accessible restrooms are available onsite
9️⃣ Is there a café or food nearby?
☕ The museum café is currently closed
🥪 No food inside the museum
🧺 Tip: Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy in Fort Tryon Park, which has picnic areas and benches with amazing views
🔟 When is the best time to visit?
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring/Summer | Flowering gardens + longer daylight |
| 🍁 Fall | Beautiful foliage over the Hudson |
| ❄️ Winter | Quiet, atmospheric, and cozy indoors |
🌤️ Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded
✅ Bonus Tips
- 🗺️ Combine with a nature walk through Fort Tryon Park
- 📱 Download the Met app before arriving — service in the park may be limited
- 🧠 Great for fans of medieval history, architecture, literature, and mythology
- 🧒 Kid-friendly for curious minds who love castles and dragons!
🎟 Want help planning a full-day Met adventure with both the Cloisters and Met Fifth Avenue?
Let me know! I’ll help you map out a peaceful, art-filled journey through medieval beauty and timeless treasures 🏰🌿🖼️✨
