|
The CloistersA branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters is a collection of ancient monasteries containing precious tapestries, stained glass and other treasures. The Cloisters Museum Info A visit to New York is not complete until you see The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Cloisters is dedicated to protecting and exhibiting art and architecture of the European Middle Ages. It is on a hill overlooking the Hudson River, striking a breathtaking pose amidst the beautiful Fort Tryon Park, –which is heavily inspired by medieval European gardening. The art and artifacts on display, the building, the garden, and the series of special programs offered make this museum a mesmerizing and overwhelming experience to the travelers, art buffs, and local New Yorkers that they keep coming back to it. This jewel of the Met is truly a must visit place in Manhattan. The Cloisters and Its History
The building of the museum in and of itself is an architectural marvel, incorporating elements from five medieval French cloisters: Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Bonnefont-en-Comminges, Trie-en-Bigorre, and Froville. These European cloisters were dissembled and transported to New York. They were painstakingly assembled back during 1934-1938, each to form a part of one large complex. The museum gardens on the adjacent four acres of land are planted according to horticultural information drawn from various medieval documents and artifacts.
The museum and the gardens’ transformation into a reality is credited to the generous grants by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., businessman and a major philanthropist. Much of the museum collections come from Rockefeller’s personal collection (including the famous Unicorn tapestries) and also contain many works from George Grey Barnard’s collection. Barnard was an American sculptor and collector of medieval art, whose arts and remnants were bought by Rockefeller as a gift to the Met.
The Cloisters and Its Programs
The museum shelters extraordinary works that include the Unicorn tapestries, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, ivory, and precious metal work. The museum offers an array of tours and workshops free with museum admission for individual visitors (this excludes Concerts, which requires you to buy a ticket that includes same day museum admission, as well). Once you are at the museum, you can take the collection highlights tours and garden tours, as well as attend the gallery talks, family gallery workshops (these are workshops for children aged 4-12 and their families), and musical concerts. These concerts are held in the twelfth-century Fuentidueña Chapel from Spain, visually and acoustically one of the most beautiful sites for the performance of medieval music in the United States. In addition to this, seasonal programs are also conducted. Call 212-650-2290 (Monday through Friday, between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.) for information about specific concerts or to purchase tickets. LocationIn New York, at the northern tip of Manhattan Island, atop a cliff and abounded by vast gardens, holding a magnificent view of the Hudson River. AddressThe Cloisters Tickets and TimingsHoursNov-Feb Tues-Sun, 9:30am-5:00pm March-Oct Tues-Sun, 9:30am-5:30pm Suggested Contribution$10 Adults$5 Students and Seniors |
