Medieval Times at the Cloisters

Looking for a day trip where you can just enjoy spectacular art, walk through the rich gardens of a medieval abbey, and take in spectacular views of New York? We recommend going to upper Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park and visiting The Cloisters.

The Cloisters, built in the 1930's, incorporates parts from five European cloistered abbeys--parts that were taken brick by brick and reconstructed in Manhattan, is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Located in Washington Heights, just north of the George Washington Bridge, The Cloisters contains approximately five thousand European medieval works of art, with pieces dating from the 12th through the 15th centuries. This is where you will find the original Unicorn Tapestries hanging on the walls.

The gardens of The Cloisters have been planted as they would have appeared originally from information obtained from medieval manuscripts. In the gardens you will find many artists sketching and horticulturists observing the varieties of herbs and flowers. 

Outside of the museum walls are gardens with spectacular views of Manhattan where people gather to sit, read, sketch or just take in the peace.

How to get to The Cloisters by car:

Take the Henry Hudson Parkway -- the first exit after George Washington Bridge -- to Fort Tryon Park—The Cloisters. Get off on that exit and just follow the road.  Free parking.

How to get to The Cloisters by Subway:

Take the bus over the George Washington Bridge to the Port Authority Bus Station. Take the Uptown A Train to 190th Street and exit the station by elevator. Walk north along Margaret Corbin Drive for approximately ten minutes.

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