A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters is devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. 

The Museum building itself incorporates portions of original medieval chapels, monastic cloisters, a chapter house, and other architectural elements dating from the 12th through 15th centuries. A tour of this place truly imparts a feeling of being in another time. 

The Cloisters Collection includes the Unicorn Tapestries, frescoes, stained glass, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, metalwork, and panel paintings. More than two hundred species of plants grown in the Middle Ages will be found in the flower and herb gardens. 

Throughout the year individuals and families can enjoy many special events and tours, as well as a variety of other activities that focus on the art, history and culture of the Middle Ages -- a very interesting time indeed. 

Group Tours, for elementary grades through adult, are interesting and educational, supplementing classroom education in art, architecture, and medieval history. 

School Programs include, A Medieval Bestiary (grades 1 - 3): students search for animals, real and imaginary, in this program that enlivens legends by portraying beasts in a variety of media; Walls (4 - 8): focuses on Medieval architecture, monumental painting, sculpture and tapestry. Students build arches with blocks to demonstrate basic medieval building principles; The Age of Chivalry (6 - 8): a same-day program encompassing an introductory session at the Cloisters focusing on knightly heroes and continues to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and its Arms and Armor Galleries. Guided Gallery Lectures (9 - 12): can focus on a variety of themes chosen by the teacher, including theological and cultural issues, or the relationship of medieval art to literary themes. Many other programs are available for all grade levels. 

A group consists of 10 to 30 people.

Hours:  
Tuesday thru Sunday:  
March thru October 
9:30am - 5:15pm.  
November thru February 
9:30am - 4:45pm.  
Highlights Tours of the Collection for individual visitors:  
Tuesday-Friday at 3:00 Sunday at 12:00.  
All group visits require advance reservations.  

Same Day visits to Cloisters and Metropolitan Museum of Art (for both individuals and groups) require only one fee for both museums.  
Group Discounts are available.  Guided Tours for School Groups are available.  
Call for the above information as well as for School Program rates.  

Group Reservations: At least 4 weeks in advance.  

Lunch: Surrounding park.  

Handicapped: Accessible.  

Directions: From George Washington Bridge, north on Fort Washington Ave. to end, or Broadway to W. 187th St. West on 187th to Fort Washington, turn right and proceed to Museum.  

Nearby  
Children's Museum of the Native American   
Morris-Jumel Mansion

Return to
  New York Index 
Main Table of Contents