Reviews & Ratings for The Cloisters

11/04/11

Medieval Fortune Favors the Bold

by ericgrossmann

The world is your oyster after a visit to The Cloisters. Walk from the Main Hall to the Romanesque Hall and hang a right to enter The Fuentidueña Chapel. Once inside, gaze in wonder at the surrounding beauty and learn about the restoration process of the 12th century hanging crucifix before you. If you arrive early, you may catch the morning light beaming through the windows on the upper sides of the apse, which makes for stunning and dramatic photographs. For the brave of heart willing to trek it uptown to Fort Tyron Park, you will not be disappointed. Just like in medieval times, fortune favors the bold.

10/20/09

An escape from the 21st Century

by Scoop NYC

Your ability to enjoy the Cloisters will hinge largely on your ability to imagine yourself as a completely different person, one whose life is governed not by a Blackberry and tonight's TV programming but by the unchanging seasons and intense spiritual devotion.

Why? Because the artwork itself is attractive but not nearly so beautiful as that from later eras. What's truly fascinating is the mindset that created the artwork and the lifestyle of the Middle Ages.

Granted, it's pretty hard for a modern-day New Yorker (or visitor) to get into that mindset, but the audio guide does a pretty good job getting you there. If you're really dedicated, read "Mont Saint Michele and Chartres" by Henry Adams before you go. Most of all, if you can possibly go alone, then do that. Nothing pulls you back into this century like someone you know talking about modern concerns.

• Pros: beautiful art and architecture
• Cons: hard to get to

07/17/06

Lovely escape

by sharopooks

The Cloisters is a great museum located in Fort Tryon Park, offering amazing views. One great thing is that it's not a huge overwhelming museum, so you can view the collection in a couple of hours and have time to hang out in the garden, cafe (the museum one on the grounds or The New Leaf Cafe, at the entrance of the park) or the park itself. The medieval art is beautiful, detailed and mostly of a religious nature. Note, though this is a branch of The Met, The Cloisters is not "pay as you wish," adult admission is $15. I live nearby and it's very enjoyable taking house guests to this urban retreat.

• Pros: beautiful locale, can do in a day
• Cons: might be too religious for some

Built in the 1930s, this museum incorporates sections of actual chapels, cloisters and other authentic Gothic and Romanesque architectural details.

by Contributor

In Short
The venue was made possible by the efforts of two men: George G. Barnard, who assembled most of the collection of artifacts, and John D. Rockefeller, who purchased the collection and donated land and money for the building. Apart from the architectural setting, the visitor can see some surviving treasures of the Middle Ages, including the Book of Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux, the renowned Unicorn Tapestries, as well as gardens planted in accordance with medieval texts.

01/17/03

best kept secret escape

by marousyar

i surprised my husband with a day trip to Fort Tryon Park and the Cloisters for his birthday last year. it made for a memorable experience. neither of us was aware that this extraordinary escape even existed in the city before. excellent museum with many great photo opps (be sure to bring your camera). the park offers beautiful views of the Hudson. for a break, try the cafe for lunch or a glass of wine.

10/11/02

gorgeous

by missmasala

The Cloisters are a beautiful, hidden haven in Upper Manhattan. School trips or solo tips, all are enjoyable and intersting. Go when you have free time, or are stressed. Very peaceful and relaxing!

10/04/02

The Cloisters

by pt109

Really beautiful museum. Would be great for a picnic in the surrounding park. It's like stepping back in time, being there.

08/18/02

Far from manhatten without leaving

by supa19

The cloisters is beautiful and feels very old world. It's like taking a day trip to Italy of France. The art is Absolutely amazing. Make sure you see the battlescene cut into the walnut shell. If you can go with a religious historian and it takes on a whole new light. It's a complete sanctuary from Manhattan without leaving.

• Pros: beautiful views, quiet
• Cons: could be free, still in manhattan

08/15/02

great price and place

by kmaubro

You can get entrance with your ticket to the Met Muesam on the same ticket (which by the way it not a required price, only suggested! Give what you can afford)

The tapestries are amazing and the gardends are great. A really nice break from the hustle of downtown and many fine pieces to boot.

• Pros: beautiful views, great price, nice escape
• Cons: a ways from downtown

07/29/02

an oasis

by natalie344

a journey here is well-rewarded with fine views and beautiful architecture. amazing that something so peaceful is so close to manhattan.