The Cloisters
Step into medieval Europe at The Met Cloisters, a serene museum in Fort Tryon Park with stunning gardens and art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
The Cloisters
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into medieval Europe at The Met Cloisters, a serene museum in Fort Tryon Park with stunning gardens and art.
"The Met Cloisters is a hidden gem in Upper Manhattan that transports you to medieval Europe."
🎯 Explore Fort Tryon Park
Don't miss the surrounding Fort Tryon Park! It offers beautiful views of the Hudson River and additional gardens. :hiking_boot:
🎟️ Check Admission Details
Admission is pay-what-you-wish for NY residents and students. Check the Met's website for current pricing for others. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Enchanting Medieval Gardens
Various garden spaces
Wander through tranquil, meticulously recreated medieval gardens, offering a peaceful respite and stunning photo opportunities.
The Unicorn Tapestries
Gallery 3
Marvel at the famous 'Unicorn Tapestries,' a breathtaking series depicting the hunt and capture of a mythical unicorn.
Romanesque and Gothic Architecture
Throughout the museum
Explore authentic architectural elements from medieval Europe, including cloisters, chapels, and halls, transported and reassembled.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escape to Medieval Europe in Manhattan
Getting There & Admission
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Fort Tryon Park
Don't miss the surrounding Fort Tryon Park! It offers beautiful views of the Hudson River and additional gardens.
🎟️ Check Admission Details
Admission is pay-what-you-wish for NY residents and students. Check the Met's website for current pricing for others.
📸 Capture the Serenity
The peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture make it a photographer's dream. Visit during off-peak hours for fewer distractions.
🏰 Medieval Magic for Kids
Perfect for kids obsessed with castles! The tapestries and architecture will spark their imagination. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Fort Tryon Park
Don't miss the surrounding Fort Tryon Park! It offers beautiful views of the Hudson River and additional gardens.
🎟️ Check Admission Details
Admission is pay-what-you-wish for NY residents and students. Check the Met's website for current pricing for others.
📸 Capture the Serenity
The peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture make it a photographer's dream. Visit during off-peak hours for fewer distractions.
🏰 Medieval Magic for Kids
Perfect for kids obsessed with castles! The tapestries and architecture will spark their imagination. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Met Cloisters for its unique medieval atmosphere, stunning architecture, and tranquil gardens, offering a peaceful escape within NYC. While some find the food court and signage within the broader complex confusing, the museum itself is consistently lauded for its beauty and immersive experience.
"Hirani barbers in cloisters were awesome to deal with! Friendly workers, very reasonable price and a quality cut! Will be my new regular barber!"
Jared Mulcahy
"Nice food court but there are also some government based offices there like Landgate that are difficult to find due to lack of signage, the lift system doesn't make that much sense either."
Scott D
"Sushi place was quick and friendly but unfortunately sells a lot of salmon which is highly polluting and killing Tasmanian ecosystems"
Gita Sonnenberg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Met Cloisters is accessible via the A train to 190th Street or the 1 train to 191st Street, followed by a walk or bus. TikTok creators highlight the scenic journey uptown.
Yes, The Met Cloisters is located in the Inwood neighborhood at the northern tip of Manhattan, within Fort Tryon Park.
Taking the A train directly to 190th Street is a popular and efficient option, offering a direct route to the museum.
While parking is available in Fort Tryon Park, public transportation is often recommended due to potential availability issues.
Travel time can vary, but expect around 30-45 minutes from Midtown Manhattan via subway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is pay-what-you-wish for New York residents and students from NY, NJ, and CT. For others, there is a set admission fee.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance can save time, especially during peak seasons. Check The Met's official website for the latest information.
The Met Cloisters generally follows The Met's hours but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times.
Yes, New York residents and students from NY, NJ, and CT can enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission.
A Met membership typically grants access to both The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Cloisters features medieval art and architecture, including cloisters, chapels, gardens, and famous works like the Unicorn Tapestries.
Absolutely! Children often love the castle-like atmosphere, gardens, and the stories behind the medieval art.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the museum and its gardens, but you could easily spend longer if you're a history or art enthusiast.
Yes, guided tours are often available and can provide deeper insights into the art and history. Check the museum's schedule.
It's known for its incredibly peaceful and serene atmosphere, offering a tranquil escape from the city's hustle.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited to protect the artwork.
The gardens, the cloisters themselves, and the architectural details offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon can help you capture photos with fewer people in the background.
Drone photography is strictly prohibited within the museum and its grounds.
Visitors often capture the serene gardens, the intricate stonework, and the overall medieval ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit even more engaging, you could research medieval stories or knights beforehand. This will help your children connect with the art and history they'll encounter. The museum's serene atmosphere also makes it a great place for a quieter, more focused family outing away from the usual city bustle.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visiting during weekday mornings or late afternoons is highly recommended to avoid crowds and capture the tranquil ambiance with fewer distractions. Focus on capturing the Gothic and Romanesque elements, the textures of the stonework, and the lush greenery of the gardens. The Unicorn Tapestries also offer unique photographic subjects, though be mindful of museum policies regarding flash photography.
The overall atmosphere of peace and historical immersion provides a unique backdrop that sets The Cloisters apart from other NYC attractions. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
You can wander through the recreated medieval spaces at your own pace, soaking in the art and architecture without feeling rushed. The beautiful gardens are perfect for quiet reflection or simply enjoying a moment of calm. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the urban environment and immerse yourself in history and art. Bring a book or a journal to further enhance your peaceful experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Medieval Art and Architecture
Key collections include illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, and a significant collection of medieval sculpture. Perhaps its most famous holdings are the Unicorn Tapestries, a series of seven tapestries depicting a unicorn hunt, renowned for their intricate detail and symbolic narrative. The museum also boasts a collection of Romanesque and Gothic art, offering a comprehensive look at the artistic achievements of the Middle Ages.
Beyond the art, the gardens are a major draw. These are not mere decorative spaces but are designed to reflect the gardens of medieval monasteries, featuring plants that were known and cultivated during that era. They provide a tranquil and educational experience, allowing visitors to connect with the natural world as it was understood centuries ago.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community
The journey itself is part of the adventure; taking the subway uptown is a common and recommended method, with creators highlighting the scenic route. For those interested in the historical context, consider looking into guided tours or doing some pre-visit research. TikTok videos often touch upon the dramatic backstory of the museum, adding another layer to the visit.
When it comes to food, options directly at The Cloisters are limited, so many visitors plan to eat before or after their visit, or pack a picnic to enjoy in Fort Tryon Park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit