The Cloisters
Fort Tryon Park
193 Street and Fort Washington Avenue
Manhattan
(212) 923-3700

click for full size (26 k)

A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art composed of architectural monuments from 5 French monasteries, plus a Romanesque chapel and extensive gardens, including a beautiful herb garden. The famous Unicorn Tapestries are displayed here as are numerous paintings, sculptures, glorious stained glass, illuminated manuscripts, and other objects from medieval times. We recommend a visit to the Cloisters primarily for those interested in the art and architecture of the Middle Ages -- and for anyone interested in stunning views of the Hudson River.

Special Features
Highlights tours of the collection are available for individual visitors on Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays - Fridays at 3 pm. Lectures and special programs are presented at noon and 2 pm on Saturdays. If you've come as much for the gardens as for the art and architecture, consider taking one of the garden tours, which are offered Tuesdays through Sundays at 1:00 p.m. in May, June, September, and October. All of these programs are free with museum admission.

The Cloisters frequently hosts Sunday afternoon concerts in the 12th-century Spanish Fuentiduena Chapel, which is often cited as one of the most visually and acoustically appropriate places for medieval music performances. Ticket prices for these concerts also includes museum admission. For further information, call 212-650-2290.

Getting There
By subway, take the A train to 190th Street and Overlook Terrace and then take the #4 bus to Fort Tryon Park - the Cloisters. Or simply take the #4 (Madison Avenue) bus all the way to the Cloisters.

By car from Manhattan, take the Henry Hudson Parkway north to the first exit after the George Washington Bridge and then follow the signs.

Site Directory: