The Cloisters
The Cloisters is much more than a museum in northern Manhattan: it’s a tranquil refuge dedicated to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe 🏰. Located in the serene Fort Tryon Park overlooking the Hudson River, this place offers a unique escape from the city bustle, transporting visitors to another time and place. It is a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Situated on a hill in Washington Heights, The Cloisters is an essential visit for lovers of art, history, and nature. Whether exploring its cloisters rebuilt stone by stone or strolling through its themed gardens, its peaceful atmosphere and incomparable collection make it an unforgettable experience that combines history, natural beauty, and serenity.
Why visit The Cloisters?
Visiting The Cloisters means immersing yourself in the beauty and spirituality of the European Middle Ages without leaving New York. It’s a unique place housing an exceptional collection of medieval art, integrated into architectural structures brought from Europe and meticulously reconstructed. Here, you breathe history, art, and a calm difficult to find in the city 🌿.
Its cultural importance is immense: it represents a monumental effort of collection and preservation, largely driven by John D. Rockefeller Jr. It houses treasures such as the famous Unicorn Tapestries and architectural elements from five medieval French cloisters. Furthermore, its location in Fort Tryon Park offers spectacular views and a privileged natural setting.
The Cloisters is also a symbol of dedication to art and history. What we see today is the result of decades of searching and reconstruction to create an authentic context for medieval art. If you want to enjoy a profound and relaxing cultural experience, this is the perfect place ✨.
How to get to The Cloisters by public transport?
Main Access
The main access to The Cloisters is through Fort Tryon Park. You can easily get there by subway and then walk a bit through the park, or take a bus that drops you very close to the museum entrance. The nearest subway station is Dyckman St.
Public transport to The Cloisters
The Cloisters is well connected by public transport, although it requires a short walk or a bus transfer from the subway:
- Subway: A Line (blue express train) to Dyckman St station.
- Bus: M4 Line (Madison Avenue) which goes directly to The Cloisters entrance (stop «The Cloisters»).
How to get to The Cloisters from:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
From Columbus Circle, take the A line (express train) northbound (Uptown) to the Dyckman St station. From there, you can walk about 10-15 minutes uphill through Fort Tryon Park or take the M4 bus northbound for a few stops.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From the Wall Street or World Trade Center area, take the A line (express train) northbound (Uptown) directly to the Dyckman St station. Then, walk or take the M4 bus as indicated above.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO or Williamsburg in Brooklyn, find the nearest connection to the A line (e.g., from the F line or L line transferring in Manhattan) and take the A train northbound (Uptown) to Dyckman St. Then walk or take the M4 bus.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
If coming from Queens, connect to the A line in Manhattan (e.g., from the E line, F, 7) and take it northbound (Uptown) to Dyckman St. Then walk or take the M4 bus.
Harlem
From Harlem, you can easily take the A line northbound (Uptown) to Dyckman St. Alternatively, the M4 bus runs through much of Harlem northbound, directly to The Cloisters.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Howard Beach station and transfer to the A line northbound to Dyckman St. From LaGuardia, take a bus (like the Q70-SBS) to a subway station connecting to the A line (Uptown). From Newark, take NJ Transit to Penn Station, and from there, the A line (Uptown) to Dyckman St.
What to see and do at The Cloisters?
The Cloisters is one of New York’s cultural treasures, not only for its collection but also for its unique atmosphere. It offers an immersive experience into the medieval world. Silent cloisters, evocative chapels, fragrant gardens, and exceptional art await you in every corner 🖼️.
Explore the reconstructed cloisters and chapels
The namesake cloisters are the heart of the museum. Stroll through the Cuxa Cloister, the largest, or admire the Gothic architecture of the Bonnefont Cloister. Don’t miss the Fuentidueña Chapel, a 12th-century Spanish Romanesque apse, nor the Gothic Chapel, with its impressive stained glass windows.
Admire the medieval art
The Cloisters houses masterpieces of European medieval art. Highlights include the seven magnificent Unicorn Tapestries, one of the jewels of the collection. You can also see sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, altarpieces like the famous Mérode Altarpiece, and liturgical objects of great historical and artistic value.
Stroll through the medieval gardens
The museum features three gardens inspired by medieval manuscripts and treatises. The Bonnefont Cloister garden contains medicinal and culinary herbs used in the Middle Ages, while the Trie Cloister garden evokes the flowery fields of the tapestries. They are perfect places for contemplation 🌸.
Enjoy the views and atmosphere
Take advantage of The Cloisters’ privileged location atop Fort Tryon Park. From its terraces and windows, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson River, the New Jersey Palisades, and the George Washington Bridge. The tranquility of the place invites reflection and rest.
Photography and contemplation
The Cloisters is an incredibly photogenic place. Capture the beauty of the architecture, the details of the sculptures, the light filtering through the stained glass, or the colors of the gardens. It is also an ideal space to sit in silence, read, or simply absorb the peace of the surroundings 📸.
Attractions near The Cloisters
The Cloisters is located within the beautiful Fort Tryon Park, and the surrounding area of Washington Heights and Inwood offers other points of natural and historical interest. It’s a perfect area to combine culture and nature.
Fort Tryon Park
The park housing The Cloisters is an attraction in itself. Designed by the Olmsted brothers (the same ones behind Central Park), it offers winding paths, extensive green areas, the largest heather garden on the East Coast, and spectacular views of the Hudson River. Ideal for a stroll before or after visiting the museum 🌳.
Heather Garden
Within Fort Tryon Park, this garden is especially beautiful, featuring a wide variety of heathers, heaths, shrubs, and perennials that offer color throughout much of the year. It’s a charming place to walk and relax, with strategically placed benches to enjoy the views.
Dyckman Farmhouse Museum
A short subway or bus ride away (or a longer walk), you’ll find this historic 18th-century Dutch farmhouse. It is the only remaining farmhouse in Manhattan and offers a fascinating glimpse into New York’s rural past.
Inwood Hill Park
Just north of Fort Tryon Park, Inwood Hill Park is home to Manhattan’s last natural forest and salt marsh. It offers wilder hiking trails, caves (historically significant to the native Lenape people), and tranquil views of the Harlem River and the Hudson River.
The Met Fifth Avenue (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Although not immediately adjacent, The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Your admission to The Cloisters includes same-day admission to the main museum on Fifth Avenue (and vice versa). You can combine both visits by taking the M4 bus directly between the two museums or using the subway.
George Washington Bridge
From various points in Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters, you get excellent views of the imposing George Washington Bridge, an engineering marvel connecting Manhattan to New Jersey. It is especially impressive at sunset 🌉.
Tips for visiting The Cloisters
Visiting The Cloisters is a rewarding and peaceful experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit to this medieval corner in New York.
Best time of day to go
For a quieter experience and to avoid potential crowds, it’s recommended to visit The Cloisters during the week or early in the morning on weekends. The morning and afternoon light can be especially beautiful for photography in the cloisters and gardens. Consider the time of year: the gardens are in their prime in spring and summer ☀️, while autumn offers spectacular foliage in Fort Tryon Park 🍂.
Enjoy the surroundings
The Cloisters is not a museum to be rushed. Dedicate time not only to see the artworks but also to feel the atmosphere of the cloisters, stroll through the gardens, and enjoy the views. Fort Tryon Park itself deserves a peaceful walk before or after your museum visit.
Safety
The Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park are generally safe during the day. As anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings. The museum has security staff. If walking in the park, stick to the main paths, especially if you are alone or visiting at dusk.
What to bring and what not to bring
Wear comfortable shoes 👟, as you will do quite a bit of walking both inside the museum (which has several levels and stairs, although there are elevators) and through the park. A camera is essential to capture the beauty of the place. Depending on the weather, bring sun protection or an umbrella/raincoat. You can bring a reusable water bottle. Check the museum’s policy on large backpacks and food/drink before you go.
