If you’re looking for a unique New York City experience, look no further than the Cloisters Museum and Gardens. Located inside the large Fort Tryon Park, on a hill overlooking the Hudson River, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone who loves medieval art.
Part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this museum is a beautiful relic of medieval Europe and is a scenic retreat in its own right. The grounds are full of authentic French and Spanish monastic cloisters, a Romanesque chapel, and a 12th-century chapter house. Colonnaded walks connect these historic structures with a collection of medieval art.
Founded by George Grey Barnard and John D. Rockefeller
The cloisters is a museum of medieval art located in New York City. It is a satellite of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is primarily a collection of medieval European works of art and artifacts, including the Unicorn Tapestries.
George Grey Barnard (1863-1938), an American sculptor, was the main force behind the founding of cloisters nyc. He was also one of the most influential collectors and private dealers in medieval art and architecture. He traveled extensively throughout France to salvage and acquire fragments of cloisters and other medieval monuments. He began to realize his vision of creating a museum for his own collection, which would display the art and architectural elements in a more medieval setting.
He first opened a small museum in 1914, located near his Washington Heights home and studio. He transported a large number of cloister fragments from Europe, incorporating them into a new building that would serve as the foundation of his museum.
Barnard’s initial goal was to bring the fragments of cloisters back to the United States and put them on display in a way that made them meaningful to Americans. He envisioned his museum as a place to educate the public about medieval art, but also to serve as an inspiration for young American sculptors.
In 1916, Barnard met with John D. Rockefeller Jr. (son of the founder of Standard Oil), who had a strong interest in medieval art. They formed a partnership that would allow them to both accomplish their goals.
The partnership was based on a shared love of medieval art and the ability to work with others who could provide the necessary funding to complete their project. The two men collaborated with Charles Collens, who designed the overall layout of the museum.
As a result, the overall design of the museum resembles a combination of medieval structures bought in Europe and reconstructed on-site stone-by-stone, as well as newly built buildings in a Neo-gothic style. The interiors of the museum were also designed by Collens.
The partnership between Rockefeller and Barnard resulted in a museum that was built to be an educational tool for future generations of Americans, as well as a showcase for their collection of medieval artifacts and artworks. This collaboration between the two men is a testament to their vision and foresight, but it was not without its challenges.
The Cloisters Museum
Located on the north side of Manhattan Island, inside the large Fort Tryon Park and near the Hudson River, the Cloisters Museum of New York is one of the most distinctive museums in the city. It was rebuilt in 1930 with architectural elements from various European medieval monasteries.
Unlike most museums, it is devoted to medieval art rather than paintings and sculptures. It is an incredibly rare collection that spans the centuries from the 9th to the 16th century, including religious and secular works of art.
The Cloisters is the branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to medieval art and architecture. It is situated in a spectacular four-acre lot overlooking the Hudson River in northern Manhattan.
Many visitors mistakenly assume that The Cloisters is a copy of some medieval monastery shipped to New York, but in fact, it is an archaeological-architectural “patchwork” created from elements from a number of medieval buildings.
In addition to four cloisters, the building houses three chapels from Spain and France, as well as several galleries dedicated to Roman and Gothic art. The museum also features a large collection of medieval manuscripts, carved reliquaries and a treasure trove of jewels and other fine objects from the Middle Ages.
During your visit, make sure to take some time to explore the museum’s gardens. The Cloisters’ three delicate gardens, which surround the cloisters, are filled with aromatic and medicinal plants, creating a serene atmosphere.
You will be able to enjoy the gardens throughout your visit, as they are open seven days a week. You can spend a leisurely time strolling the paths or simply soaking in the beauty of these gardens.
The museum is home to some of the finest medieval artworks in the world. In particular, it has a great collection of tapestries and stained-glass windows.
It also has several relics, such as stone sarcophagi and carved reliquaries. Its collection of statues and ivory figures is unique, as well.
The Cloisters is a wonderful place to get a sense of the life and times of medieval Europe. In addition to the great art, the museum has a small cafe that serves a variety of sandwiches and salads, as well as coffee and tea. In the fall, The Cloisters hosts an annual Oktoberfest where you can enjoy beer and live music.
The Cloisters Gardens
Located in Fort Tyron Park on northern Manhattan, the Cloisters is a stunning museum that showcases medieval art. The collection is incredibly diverse, with illuminated manuscripts and sculptures among the many highlights.
The Cloisters is a must-see for anyone who loves medieval art and architecture. The museum’s impeccably designed courtyards and gardens, combined with scenic views of the Hudson River, make it a peaceful and memorable place to visit.
It is also the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City. With its lush gardens and impeccably manicured grounds, it is a great escape from the city’s chaos.
The Cloister’s permanent collection is comprised of works of art that range from stone sculptures to paintings. There are over 400 pieces in the collection. They include illuminated manuscripts, wood and stone sculptures, and pottery, as well as painting, photography, and other media.
One of the most popular exhibits is the “Hunt of the Unicorn” tapestries, a series of nine hangings woven about 1400 for a Valois court member. They are known for their detailed depictions of flora and fauna, as well as their unique depictions of the unicorn itself.
In addition to the many fanciful works of art, the Cloisters is also home to four medieval gardens that are filled with rare plants and flowers. The Judy Black Cuxa Cloister Garden, the Bonnefont and Trie Cloister Gardens, and the Saint-Guilhem Cloister Gardens are all stunningly beautiful.
These gardens were planted in 1938 and contain a variety of different species that represent the types of plants that would have been grown in medieval times. They also feature a number of important herbs, including the mandrake, a legendary plant that was used for healing and for flavoring dishes.
In addition to the museum and the gardens, there are also a number of different tours that you can go on. These include a tour of the “Four Medieval Flowers” that discusses the meanings of the flowers in medieval artwork. You will see how these symbols were used to convey the ideas of purity, rebirth, and sexuality in these eras.
The Cloisters Restaurant
Perched high on a hill in Fort Tryon Park, near Manhattan’s northwest tip, The Cloisters museum and gardens are a scenic destination in their own right. The medieval annex of the Metropolitan Museum of Art houses part of its Medieval collection and connects authentic French and Spanish monastic cloisters, a Romanesque chapel, and a 12th-century chapter house with colonnaded walks and enclosed gardens filled with flowers and herbs that grow like they did in the Middle Ages.
The Cloisters is an awe-inspiring display of medieval treasures and artifacts that will enthrall even the most jaded tourist. A trip to this exhibit is a must for all art lovers, but it’s especially interesting for kids and those with an interest in history and religion.
There are a variety of ways to visit The Cloisters, and you can purchase tickets ahead of time online or at the entrance on site. Members of the museum also get free admission and early access to special exhibitions.
Depending on the season, you can also enjoy the spectacular gardens that surround The Cloisters. The garden is particularly beautiful in spring with the blossoming of tulips and azaleas. You can also stroll along a winding path, walk among the flower petals of a rose garden, or stop to admire the views of the Hudson River and Palisades cliffs that are often seen from this location.
If you’re hungry, there are a few spots in the area that serve tasty food and drinks. A few to consider include the New Leaf within Fort Tryon Park and Buunni Coffee on Dyckman Street in Washington Heights, just a few blocks south of the museum.
Another spot to consider is The Cloisters Cafe, which serves delicious Brazilian and French cuisines under the direction of a chef that is highly rated by its clients. Its menu includes some tasty burgers, tacos, and salads.
You can also order a glass of wine, beer or white sangria to go with your meal. It’s a nice place to rest after a long walk around St. Mark’s-in-the-Bowery Church and you’ll probably be back for more food later.
