The Met Cloisters
99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Manhattan, New York City, NY, 10040
In Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, the Met Cloisters showcases art and artifacts from medieval Europe, including the world-renowned 15th-century Unicorn Tapestries. A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cloisters is built from parts of several historical European monasteries that were dismantled and transported to New York—making you feel like you’re traveling back in time. The museum also boasts a large educational garden with hands-on experiences to learn about medieval uses for flowers and herbs.
The Basics
Visitors can prepurchase a 3-day general admission ticket to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, which grants access to all three branches: the Met Fifth Avenue, the Met Breuer, and the Met Cloisters. Tour the Cloisters independently, join a guided highlights tour (included with admission), or rent an audio guide. Some art-focused tours of Harlem and Upper Manhattan stop at the Cloisters, while select New York sightseeing and discount passes include free access to the Cloisters.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Met Cloisters is a must for art and architecture lovers.
Leave large bags and luggage at home as they can’t be stored at or brought into the museum.
Because of its listed status, wheelchair accessibility is limited at the Cloisters. Notify staff ahead of your arrival for extra assistance.
How to Get There
The Met Cloisters is situated in Fort Tryon Park in Hudson Heights, Northern Manhattan. To get there, take the subway to 190th Street (A train); the Cloisters is about a 10-minute walk north along Margaret Corbin Drive. From the Met Fifth Avenue, ride the M4 bus from Madison Avenue and 83rd Street.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is spring and summer, when warmer weather means you can fully enjoy surrounding Fort Tryon Park and the views of the Hudson River. The museum is busiest on weekends. If you want more space to explore, arrive early in the day. The galleries typically fill up as the day goes on.
The Other Branches of the Met
The Met owns one of the world’s largest art collections, with more than two million pieces to its name. Its biggest branch is the Met Fifth Avenue, which features everything from an ancient Egyptian temple to paintings by European masters. Opened in 2016, the Met Breuer, on the Upper East Side, is the museum’s newest outpost. The Breuer is devoted to modern and contemporary art and features works ranging from photography and video pieces to installations.
Ways to explore
A general admission ticket to the Metropolitan Museum of Art grants you same-day access to both of its locations: the Met Fifth Avenue and the Met Cloisters (though some visitors prefer a separate day for each). For even more value, arrive at the Cloisters by 1pm to take part in the free daily docent-led tour. You can also download free audio guides to walk you through the collection on your own schedule, including a Kids and Families tour and an Art and Music tour.
Some art-focused tours of Harlem and Upper Manhattan stop at the Cloisters, while select New York sightseeing and discount passes may include access.
Accessibility
Because of its historic status, wheelchair accessibility is limited at the Cloisters. Notify staff ahead of your arrival for extra assistance. Service animals are welcome.
Age limits
Exhibits at the Cloisters are appropriate for all ages. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
What to pack
Water bottle, small bag or backpack
What to wear
Comfortable walking shoes, layers for climate-controlled exhibits
Not allowed
Large bags, outside food and drinks, glass containers, selfie sticks and tripods
Amenities
Restrooms, seasonal café (April–October)
Address
The Met Cloisters is located in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan. From the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the Cloisters by car or taxi (longer with traffic) or 40–60 minutes by public transportation.
Driving
From downtown Manhattan, take the Henry Hudson Parkway for about 15 minutes and exit at Fort Tryon Park & The Cloisters. Free parking is available in Fort Tryon Park.
Public transportation
Take the A train to 190th Street. When you exit, walk north along Margaret Corbin Drive for about 10 minutes or transfer to the M4 bus for one stop, which takes you directly to the Cloisters.
Best times to visit
If you want more space to explore, arrive early in the day. The galleries typically fill up as the day goes on. Free guided tours happen daily at 1pm.
Best days to visit
The museum is busiest on the weekends, so it’s best to visit on a weekday—except for Wednesdays, when the Cloisters is closed.
Best months to visit
The Cloisters shines in the spring and summer, when warmer weather means you can fully enjoy surrounding Fort Tryon Park and the views of the Hudson River.
Special events
The Cloisters regularly hosts special events such as educator talks, garden workshops, and storytime for kids. Check the event calendar to see what’s coming up.
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