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The Met Cloisters, NYC

99 Margaret Corbin Drive, New York, New York

Description

The Met Cloisters is a European medieval art and architecture museum with items such as tapestries, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass and tapestries dating from the Byzantine to the early Renaissance periods. It is centred around four cloisters with medieval gardens, chapels and galleries. The museum is managed by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and located in the north of Upper Manhattan.

Access & Transport

The Cloisters are in Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights. By car: take Henry Hudson Parkway northbound to the first exit (northbound only) after George Washington Bridge. There is free parking in the park. By public transport: A train to 190th St then walk 10mins along Margaret Corbin Dr (or take the M4 bus). If coming from the Met, take the M4 bus directly from Madison Avenue/83rd Street to the last stop.

Instructions & Recommendations

All admission tickets include exhibitions and same-day entry to both Met locations.

Meta review

The Cloisters isn't very well known compared to other cultural venues in NYC. Online reviews are mostly good, describing it as 'a treasure trove of medieval art', which is quite unique in North America but those living in Europe are not awed by it. Other aspects praised include the lovely surrounding area, clearly out of the city proper, and the audio guide available on mobile phones. The main drawbacks are price and the time it takes to get there. Some reviewers suggest bringing your own lunch as the onsite restaurant is not good value.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral. Helps preserve and appreciate the arts.

Conclusion

In isolation, the content of the collection and the architecture of the cloisters are genuinely of high quality - but it does feel quite out of place in New York. We would thus recommend a visit to those who have never visited European monasteries. Regarding pricing, the ability to visit both Met locations and only pay for one on the same day is a little disingenuous considering the museum fatigue + the fact that The Met has sufficient content to make a visit last two days + the distance between them.

Key positive

Some high quality medieval artworks

Picturesque complex

Key negative

Overpriced

A little time consuming to get to

Suitability

Accessibility is limited for wheelchair due to the stairs. Younger children are unlikely to find the museum very interesting

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, 25 Dec and 01 Jan

av. transport time:0h 50m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 17:00

Tuesday10:00 - 17:00

Wednesday -

Thursday10:00 - 17:00

Friday10:00 - 17:00

Saturday10:00 - 17:00

Sunday10:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$22
Adult
18 - 64
US$30
Teen & Young
12 - 17
US$17
Child
3 - 11
US$0
Infant
0 - 2
US$0
Price for students is $17. Pay what you wish for NY residents as well as NY, NJ, and CT students

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