The Met Cloisters has a fascinating history — and it’s now here for you to explore once again!
The Cloisters is a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and you don’t have to travel far to get there. Located in the northernmost nook of Manhattan, this special museum is New York City’s very real hidden gem. And with the regular Metropolitan Museum of Art officially back open, the Cloisters finally followed suit on Saturday, September 12.
The building opened as a part of the Met Museum in 1938 and is the only museum in the country dedicated to the art of the Middle Ages. The grounds are made up of medieval-style gardens, chapels and many different galleries that house the 2,000 works of art. Each piece was created sometime between the 12th-15th centuries.
According to the Met website,
“By definition, a cloister consists of a covered walkway surrounding a large open courtyard that provides access to other monastic buildings. Similarly, the museum’s cloisters act as passageways to galleries; they provide as inviting a place for rest and contemplation for visitors as they often did in their original monastic settings.”
Take a look at the beautiful grounds below, you would think you were on a trip to Europe!
General admission tickets include exhibitions and are good for same-day entry at any of the Met locations. If you’re a New Yorker, you’re in luck because the price of admission for all New York State residents, as well as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut students, is up to you.
After being closed for nearly six months due to COVID-19, the Met Cloisters is now back open with the following hours: Thursday-Monday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (it will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday). Galleries are cleared fifteen minutes before closing. Timed entry is now required, which you can reserve here.
This special place is a true respite from the craziness of the city and when the weather gets nicer, it’s even better! Spring and summer are the best seasons to see the gardens, but the grounds are well kept all year long. We highly suggest a visit!
See also: This Stunning Garden & Park Is A Hidden NY Gem, & It’s Completely Free To Visit
Featured image: shutterstock