The Met Cloisters in Washington Heights, Manhattan
If you’ve ever wondered: Is the Met Cloisters worth visiting? How much are tickets? How do I get there? — You’re in the right place. This guide answers all your questions (plus the ones you didn’t know you had), so you can skip the guessing in your head and focus on enjoying the beauty of medieval art right in Manhattan.
Unlike the busy Met on Fifth Avenue, The Cloisters is a quiet escape perched in Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights. Imagine European monasteries, Gothic arches, and peaceful gardens — all without leaving NYC. If you love history, art, or simply want a unique day out, this spot delivers.
This post has everything you need: how to get there, the best tours and tickets (with options to skip lines), nearby spots, insider tips, and what to expect once you arrive.
Ready? Let’s plan your perfect visit to The Met Cloisters.
about the Met Cloisters
What is The Met Cloisters?
The Met Cloisters is a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Cloisters specializes in European medieval art and architecture. The building incorporates elements from five medieval cloisters, reimagined in a Neo-Gothic style.
Inside, you’ll find over 5,000 works spanning the Romanesque to early Renaissance periods — sculptures, textiles, paintings, metalworks, manuscripts, and more.
The deeper history
The Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park, was started in the early 1900s and is dedicated exclusively to medieval art. When George Grey Barnard returned to the States during WWI, he opened a museum in northern Manhattan to showcase his collection and inspire Americans to learn about medieval art.
In 1924, John D. Rockefeller Jr. purchased Barnard’s collection and property, donating funds for The Met to acquire it. He added 40 pieces from his own collection. Wanting to expand, Rockefeller bought 66.5 acres of land in 1927, envisioning The Cloisters as the centerpiece. He hired Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and the Olmsted Brothers firm — renowned for their work on Central Park — to design Fort Tryon Park. Additionally, he donated land across the Hudson River, known as Palisades Park, to preserve the view.
The key players shaped the museum: Architect Charles Collens designed the Neo-Gothic structure; Joseph Breck, assistant Met director, curated interiors; and James Rorimer, who took over Breck when he passed unexpectedly, worked closely with Rockefeller to complete the project.
The Cloisters officially opened on May 10, 1938, with gardens (Cuxa, Bonnefont, Trie) designed to reflect medieval plantings.
map of Met Cloisters
getting there
Subway
This is the easiest (and cheapest) way to get to The Cloisters.
Take the A train to 190th Street and walk about 10 minutes uphill through Fort Tryon Park. The ride is just $2.90, whether you’re coming from Brooklyn, Queens, or the city.
You can use a MetroCard or tap-to-pay (Apple/Google Pay works too).
For convenience
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Revel) or taxi will drop you off at the entrance of Fort Tryon Park, and you’ll still need to walk up the hill to get to the entrance of The Cloisters.
Want to combine your visit with The Met Fifth Avenue? Book this skip-the-line private car tour via GetYourGuide to explore both without worrying about transportation.
Accessibility
The path is uphill, and inside there are many stairs.
Wheelchair access is limited, but a free shuttle runs from the Postern Gate to the museum.
💡 PRO TIP 💡
Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. Expect a lot of walking, both in the park and inside the museum.
tickets & tours
Going up the stairs to the ticketing area
Is The Met Cloisters free?
For residents of NYC, New York State, New Jersey, and Connecticut, admission is pay-what-you-wish with ID.
For everyone else: $30 adults, $22 seniors, $17 students. Children under 12 are free.
Booking online
Save time and skip ticket lines by booking online in advance. Combine your ticket with The Met Fifth Avenue: Get a skip-the-line combo ticket and see both in one day with private transfers by car.
Want more context?
The Met offers free guided tours, changing daily. Perfect for history lovers and first-timers — plan your visit to explore topics that interest you.
How long should you spend at The Cloisters?
Plan around 2 – 3 hours for the whole trip. Give yourself about 1 - 2 hours to explore the museum and gardens, and then another hour for Fort Tryon Park! My partner and I spent about 3 hours exploring the museum and park without rushing through them!
what's nearby?
Fort Tryon Park
This park is home to the city’s largest dog run, a gazebo for dog owners, volleyball courts, two playgrounds, and built-in ping pong tables — all with views of the Hudson River. John D. Rockefeller Jr. had a vision for a public park showcasing these views and hired the Olmsted Brothers Firm, led by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. (son of the Central Park architect), to design it in 1927. Construction began in 1931, and in 1935, Rockefeller and Robert Moses officially dedicated it to the public.
know before you go!
| WHAT TO KNOW | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| ADMISSION | $30 adults, $22 seniors, $17 students. NY residents with ID pay-as-you-wish. |
| BEST TIME TO GO | Surprisingly weekends! Monday–Thursday can be busier when the weather’s nice. |
| DRESS CODE | None — just wear comfortable shoes and clothing. No full-face masks. |
| LOCATION ETIQUETTE | Don’t touch artwork, frames, labels, or protective cases. No flash photography. |
| PERFECT FOR | Art + history lovers. Families. Couples. |
| PET POLICY | Service animals welcome; emotional support animals not allowed. |
| PUBLIC FACILITIES | Gender bathrooms available right after ticketing. |
| ESTIMATED DURATION | 2 – 3 hours. |
| WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE | Not really :/ |
FAQ
Q: Is the Met Cloisters worth visiting?
A: I definitely think so! While it’s not exactly a hidden gem, not many people make the trek uptown. Once inside, the Gothic-style architecture and stunning Hudson River views make you feel transported to medieval Europe.
Q: How do I visit the Met Cloisters?
A: Take the subway and walk (view Getting There), or book a private car tour with skip-the-line tickets via GetYourGuide for a hassle-free experience.
Q: Can I bring my kids or pets?
A: Kids are welcome. Pets aren’t allowed unless they are service animals.
Q: When’s the best time of year to visit The Cloisters?
A: Late spring (April – May) for the gardens in bloom. Mid-to-late fall (September – October) for foliage and river views.
final thoughts
I loved the Cloisters! It felt like stepping back in time.
Gothic architecture is my favorite, and seeing how they recreated European styles here was incredible — it’s like having a little piece of Europe in NYC. The museum is full of medieval treasures, from stained glass to tapestries, and it’s worth the trip uptown.
But here’s the catch: go early. We went early on a Sunday morning thinking it’d be quieter, but the gardens got crowded fast, with everyone trying to get the best spot for photos. The inside was surprisingly calmer, but outside felt more like a photoshoot zone.
Would I go again? Absolutely, just need to plan for a better time to avoid the crowds.
There’s so much history and art to unpack, and the gardens — planted with species authentic to the medieval period — are a unique bonus!
Before you go, book your tickets here to skip the line and maximize your day.
visit info
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The Cloisters: A History
NYC Parks: Fort Tryon Park
Wikipedia: The Cloisters
Wikipedia: George Grey Barnard
check out my recent travel vlog!
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05252025 11:43
Thinking about visiting The Met Cloisters? This hidden medieval-style museum in Washington Heights, Manhattan is one of NYC’s most magical escapes. Here’s everything you need to plan a stress-free, unforgettable visit — and actually enjoy it.