The Cloisters

I am a huge fan of house-museums, and although this actually was built to be museum, it has a real sense of place. I know someone related to the architect who designed this, and it's just fascinating that they knew they would have all this medieval art plus architectural art and were able to design a museum around it that feels like it's the real deal (you feel like you're in a castle, or a church/cathedral, or, natch, a Cloisters). The Treasury has wonderful works in gold and ivory, illuminated books, fabulously embroidered vestments, etc. The unicorn tapestries capture the imagination of children. In summer they have a lovely cafe where you can eat in the courtyard (be aware if visiting during the off-season that there is no where near to get any food). Also MUCH less crowded than the main museum. Note that with admission to the Cloisters you may also visit the main Metropolitan Museum on the same day (keep your receipt and pin). If you love the Cloisters and plan to visit Paris, don't miss the similar Musee de Cluny. more

Stepping inside the Cloisters is like stepping taking a step back into time and landing smack dab in the Middle Ages. You get taken back to a time where King Arthur and the Round Table ruled the lands and ladies in waiting give their favors to knights. The gardens are eerily serene and elegant and the Unicorn trapesties are a beautiful work of art. It's a great place to spend the day either by yourself or on a date. The admission fee is also extremely low so cheapie score. more

The Cloister is a wonderful museum/garden in Harlem. I was so shocked to find out about this place but it is truly an amazing day. One can take forever strolling the gardens and just be awed at how lovely the area is. Overall, I would make a day of this taking the bus from here to the Met and just have one fantastic and interesting day. more

This is a small museum inside Fort Tryon Park, it is associated with The Met but dedicated to medieval art. They have a wonderful courtyard and the exhibits are nice too. I especially like the tapestries. There is a suggested donation but you can pay what you wish. Go in October during the medieval festival and make a day out of it. more

I keep thinking everyone knows about this place, and yet everytime I come here it's empty (except for European tourists). This is the Metropolitan Museum's medieval art collection in a reconstructed French cloister at the top of Manhattan. It is one of the world's finest art collections in one of the most magical places. A gem. By the way, like the Met, you are free to pay what you wish--despite misleading signs. more

As a medieval enthusiast, you can imagine my surprise to find this gorgeous little museum in the middle of New York City. This is a quiet and serene place where you can tour five areas comprised of medieval tapestries and art. It is absolutely beautiful and the staff are informative and welcoming. This is a hidden treasure that not too many tourists seem to know about (which really, that's a good thing - I've never found it to be crowded or noisy). more

The Cloisters is an unique experience in New York City. It's like stepping into a time machine and being transported back into the medieval times. The collection consists of a chapel, and parts from five cloisters from medieval France. Stunningly beautiful works of architecture blended with gardens true to the regions from where these cloisters are from. It is a very peaceful and relaxing experience, it's like a mini-vacation from the hustle and bustle of New York. more

I first heard about The Cloisters through a professor in college. I finally just recently got a chance for a visit and it was just lovely. The park is beautiful. You also forget you are in the city and its so peaceful. They had ancient relics, medieval tapestry and exhibits. It is definitely less crowded to go to then the Met on the east side. Its like a hidden gem in the city and everyone should visit it at least once. more

The Cloisters is located in a beautiful park in upper Manhattan which is a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the island in general. I loved the medieval tapestry, ancient relics and coffin exhibits and of course, the cloister courtyards. The view from the balcony of the museum is amazing as it overlooks the Hudson. This part of the Met is never as crowded as the main Met on the eastside - very worthy of a visit. more