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Cloisters

The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, committed to preserving and displaying art of Medieval Europe. But it’s no ordinary museum. Originally located down the street from its present location, The Cloisters began in the studio of early 20th Century sculptor and collector, George Grey Barnard. Barnard had collected tapestries, other artworks, and examples of medieval stonework. In the early 30s, John D. Rockefeller, who had purchased the last great estate in Northern Manhattan from the Billings family, offered this property for a new, larger Cloisters that would come closer to evoking the monasteries, artwork and lifestyle of Medieval Europe. Everything is put in it’s original context so you get a clear idea of how it was first displayed and how the architecture relates to the art.

This arm of the museum feels like a little sanctuary in the middle of manhattan with the lush gardens and vegitation. When you need a break from hectic city life, hop on the train to the Cloisters for a little culture and relaxation.

Filed under: local flavor, 10040, art, cloisters, cultural, fort tryon park, medieval, met, washington heights