The Met Cloisters

Overview

The Met Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. It is housed in a beautiful setting overlooking the Hudson River.

It houses an extensive collection of medieval art and artifacts, offering a unique glimpse into the Middle Ages.

Art History Architecture

Location

Address

99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Manhattan, New York City, New York

Neighborhood: Fort Tryon Park

Coordinates

40.870900, -73.941400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday Closed

tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$25 (ages 18-64)

Children

$12 (ages 6-17)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-May, October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, more peaceful

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

full day with picnic in the gardens

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild, pleasant

• blooming gardens
• medieval music performances

summer

hot, humid

• extended opening hours
• outdoor concerts

autumn

cool, crisp

• fall foliage
• medieval harvest festival

winter

cold, occasionally snowy

• holiday decorations
• medieval Christmas market

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Bring valid ID
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly

What to Bring

essential

Valid ID Water bottle Printed or digital tickets

seasonal

Warm jacket for winter visits Umbrella or raincoat for spring and fall visits

not allowed

Large backpacks or bags Professional camera equipment without prior permission Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate, as there are many outdoor areas with uneven terrain and stairs

• Be prepared for walking on uneven surfaces and stairs
• Stay hydrated, especially in summer

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site, but for emergencies, call 911

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (USD), Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

Currency

USD (United States Dollar)

Typical Costs

entry $25 (adults)

parking $10 (if available)

food $15-$30 (café and picnic options)

souvenirs $10-$50 (books, gifts, and replicas)

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking and exploring, Comfortable walking shoes, as there are many cobbled paths and uneven surfaces, Walking or hiking shoes are ideal, especially for outdoor areas, Inappropriate or revealing clothing that may disturb other visitors

Booking Tips

• At least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons
• Official website or authorized ticket vendors to avoid scams
• 48 hours in advance for a full refund, subject to terms and conditions
• Available for purchase online, highly recommended to avoid long wait times

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

Coat check

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

The Met Cloisters Official App

Size: 50 MB

Features: Interactive map of the Cloisters and its exhibits, Audio guides and multimedia content for a more immersive experience, Ticket purchasing and booking information, Event calendars and special exhibitions, Accessibility information and resources

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, café, and designated rest areas, Outdoor spaces such as the gardens and courtyards may have limited Wi-Fi coverage

Charging Stations: Designated charging stations are available in rest areas and the visitor center for visitors to charge their mobile devices

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Distance: 12 miles (19 km)

Travel Time: 30-45 minutes by car, depending on traffic

taxi

$45-$60 30-45 min

public_transport

$3-$5 60-75 min

From City Center

Distance: 7 miles (11 km)

metro

$2.75 30-40 min

bus

$2.75 40-50 min

taxi

$30-$40 20-30 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The Met Cloisters offers a unique and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City, providing a glimpse into medieval Europe and its art, history, and culture

Historical Significance: The Cloisters is home to an extensive collection of medieval art and artifacts, brought together from various European sites and carefully reconstructed to create an authentic and immersive experience

Insider Tips

Visit the Cloisters on a weekday morning for a more peaceful and less crowded experience
Check the museum's website or contact them in advance for information on special events, guided tours, or temporary exhibitions
The café at the Cloisters offers a selection of locally sourced and seasonal dishes, perfect for a relaxing break during your visit
The gardens and courtyards are open to the public until 4:15 pm, providing an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings even after the museum closes

Local Recommendations

• Try the café at the Cloisters for a relaxing break with a view of the gardens
• Visit the nearby Fort Tryon Park for a scenic walk along the Hudson River
• Explore the historic Washington Heights neighborhood and its diverse culinary scene
• Ask about guided tours or special events that may be available during your visit

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

help Help

exit Exit

restroom Restroom

information Information

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

The Fuentidueña Chapel

Best Time: Morning, when the light is soft and the chapel is less crowded

Tips: Capture the intricate details of the stained glass windows and the overall architecture from different angles

Result: Stunning shots of medieval art and architecture

#medievalart #architecturelover #themetcloisters

The Romanesque Hall

Best Time: Late afternoon, when the light highlights the sculptures and artifacts

Tips: Use the natural light to emphasize the textures and details of the sculptures

Result: Unique and dramatic photographs of medieval sculptures

#romanart #medievalhistory #themetcloisters

The Trinity Chapel

Best Time: Golden hour, when the warm light enhances the colors and details of the stained glass

Tips: Focus on the stained glass windows and the play of light and shadow within the chapel

Result: Breathtaking images of medieval stained glass art

#stainedglass #medievalart #themetcloisters

The Cloisters Gardens

Best Time: Spring or autumn, when the gardens are in full bloom or displaying fall colors

Tips: Combine the beauty of the gardens with the architectural elements of the Cloisters for a balanced composition

Result: Serene and picturesque shots of the medieval gardens and architecture

#medievalgardens #naturelover #themetcloisters

The Unicorn Tapestries

Best Time: Morning or late afternoon, when the lighting is softer and the tapestries are less crowded

Tips: Capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of the tapestries, using natural light to enhance the textures

Result: Vibrant and detailed photographs of these famous medieval tapestries

#unicorn #medievalart #themetcloisters

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, such as the gardens and courtyards, Public spaces within the museum, where photography does not disturb other visitors or damage the artifacts

prohibited areas Special exhibits or temporary exhibitions with specific restrictions, Areas where flash photography or tripods are not permitted

flash photography Not allowed in most indoor areas to protect delicate artifacts and maintain a pleasant atmosphere for visitors

commercial photography Permit required for commercial or professional photography, which can be obtained by contacting the museum in advance

drone policy Prohibited without prior permission from the museum authorities

tripod policy Restricted in most areas, as they can obstruct pathways and disturb other visitors. Tripods are generally allowed in outdoor areas and designated photography spots

selfie sticks Allowed, but visitors are encouraged to be considerate of other guests and not block pathways or disrupt exhibits

Nearby Attractions

Fort Tryon Park

Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km)

Walking: 10-15 min

Type: Park

The Little Red Lighthouse

Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)

Walking: 15-20 min

Type: Landmark

Morris-Jumel Mansion

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)

Walking: 30-40 min

Type: Museum

Washington Heights

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)

Walking: 30-40 min

Type: Neighborhood

High Bridge

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)

Walking: 40-50 min