From a distance, The Cloisters resembles the mysterious, medieval marvel it was intended to resemble. Opened in 1938, this architectural wonder, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum, was built to display works of art from the Middle Ages. These incredible pieces include everything from ceramics, metalwork, and enamels, to painting, sculpture, and stained glass. Then, of course, there are the marvelous Unicorn Tapestries, a series of seven tapestries dating from 1495 to 1505, showing a group of hunters in pursuit of a unicorn.

The Cloisters was made possible through the generosity of John D. Rockefeller Jr., the philanthropist, whose gifts funded, not only the actual museum building, but also the imposing hilltop setting. Located in Fort Tryon Park, the grounds afford breathtaking views of the Hudson River and a glimpse of the George Washington Bridge.

The stone interior makes for a cool, quiet respite on a warm afternoon. There is a natural flow to the rooms, with great thought given to how the various works are presented. Don’t miss The Treasury, where small precious objects invite close inspection.

There are also outside gardens to be enjoyed. The Bonnefont Herb Garden holds one of the most specialized plant collections in the world, according to The Cloisters brochure. The plants are all labeled according to how they were used in medieval times, for cooking, medicine, art, industry, housekeeping, or magic. Stop outside one of the gardens to enjoy a cool drink (sorry, no mead). The entire experience is educational and relaxing. Perhaps those monks were really on to something.

For more information, particularly about special lectures, concerts, and events, go to the website for The Cloisters.

The Cloisters

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