Exploring the Met Cloisters

A serene adventure awaits outside of Manhattan.

We’ve often heard about the Cloisters but have never been so it was a first time adventure for all of us and what a surprisingly delightful visit this was! Nestled in Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights sits this beautiful castle/church-like structure from medieval times with sacred spaces showcasing various forms of art during the Romanesque through the Gothic periods. Both floors feature Cloisters, which are open air walkways with columns, creating an easy transition from the exhibits to the outdoor spaces.

We got there just in time for the 1pm Garden Tour and while not planned, we decided to partake. The tour guide had already left with the group but we followed as closely as we could. He started off with the main Cloister detailing the history of the building and talking about the trees in that particular garden. Once it was time to move onto the Unicorn Tapestry room, he realized another group was in there and decided to move to the lower level Cloister which we could not get to immediately because we had to go back to the elevator area then wait for a staff to come and take us down. By the time we got down, we realized Annie could not make it into the garden for the tour so she and I enjoyed the breeze and reminisce on some familiar plants we saw. Mom and Diya went off to listen since mom has a particular interest in herbs and by the time the guide was ready to go back up to the Unicorn Tapestry room, we lost interest. What an unfortunate experience. (I have reached out to the museum and they've confirmed the guide did not realize there was a wheelchair user at the back of his group. If you plan on visiting and doing the tour, alert your tour guide ahead of time so he’d be mindful. Keep in mind a wheelchair cannot enter the gardens.)

While inside, we were able to make the most of the exhibits enjoying the impressive collection of statues, paintings, stained glass windows and tapestries. The Unicorn Tapestry Room was by far the most crowded, however still manageable. We had a perfect spring day of 78 degrees to enjoy the outdoors with its lush and perfectly groomed landscape where we were welcomed by a gentle breeze and birds flying around.

Although the museum seems ‘far’ from the city, it is worth the visit. We were completely taken aback by its beauty and despite the tour experience, we’d highly recommend a visit. There is a certain peacefulness and serenity that overcomes you while there. The staffs encountered were professional with a couple being extremely friendly.

Important Tips:
- The Admissions room is somewhat small and crowded when guests are waiting for the tour.
- Drop off is at the main entrance however, allow extra time (approx. 15-20 minutes) to be driven from the front entrance to a separate wheelchair accessible entrance. There’s an accessible van, courtesy of the museum, driving passengers in wheelchair and those with mobility impairments. Two passengers plus a guest with wheelchair maximum fit in the vehicle.
- An elevator is used to get between the two floors which is small. Wheelchair user, plus a caretaker and the security staff fit extremely snug. Maximum weight is 1500 lbs and door width is 26.75 inches. Guest with wheelchairs wider than 26 inches may use the museum's wheelchair on loan to transfer to. Note the staff must accompany you to operate the elevator and are not able to assist in the transfer from one wheelchair to another.
- Trie, Bonnefont & Cuxa Outdoor gardens are not wheelchair accessible, there are no ramps to get down the few stairs.
- The Langon & Gothic Chapels are not wheelchair accessible, there were a few stairs to get up and no ramp available.
- Doors are manual, however staffs are readily available to assist.

- Guests should bring their own headphones or neck loops for use with assistive listening receivers.

- There is an accessibility map that can be useful to plan your trip linked here.
- The Museum encourages visitors to contact access@metmuseum.org or call 212-650-2010 for more information about physical accessibility or the van service.

- The Cloisters offer programs for people with disabilities, you can find more information by clicking this link.

Suggested Duration: 3 hours

Accessibility Information:
- Free Admission for Caretakers
- Wheelchair accessible bathroom on the lower floor.
- Wheelchairs are available loan, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Service Animals are Welcome
- Assistive listening devices (with headsets or neck loops) are available by request for tours and programs.
- Large Print

Location:
99 Margaret Corbin Drive
New York, NY 10040
Telephone: (212) 923-3700
Website https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters
Email: access@metmuseum.org

Schedule:
General Hours: Thursday-Tuesday 10am-5pm

Subject to change and holiday hours.

Admissions:
Suggested Admissions for New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut residents with Valid ID.
Free Admission for Caretakers

Visitors Outside New York State
Free Admission for Caretakers
Adults $30 | Seniors (65 and over) $22 | Students/Children (under 12) $17

Public Transportation: M4 Bus runs from Manhattan along 5th Ave to Fort Tyron Park and takes approx. 1.5 hours. Taxi ride is approx. 40 minutes.

Dining: Trie Cafe, a grab and go cafeteria is located on the lower level of the Cloisters. Cold sandwiches, baked items, chips and juices as well as beers are sold. Sandwiches were mediocre at best, we did however enjoy sitting outdoors to eat.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.metmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024