The Cloisters

For anyone who is into medieval art, architecture (12 - 14 Century) or gardens then this is the museum for you. I love medieval art and sculpture so I could not wait to check this place out and it did not disappoint.

The Cloisters is located at the upper tip of Manhattan in a park called "Fort Tyron Park" it is a beautiful wooded park. The land was originally bought by JD Rockefeller and given to the city so that an art museum that specifically dealt in Medieval art could be built.

Entrance to Fort Tryon Park

Before getting to the Museum you walk through a lovely section of For Tyron Park called "The Heatherbrae" it is just like you are walking through an English garden.

If you do decide to go up to The Cloisters make sure you take the time to wander through the park before you get to the gallery. It is such a pretty park.

The Hudson River. So that the area would be peaceful to anyone who came to the park JD Rockefeller bought all the land on the other side of the river so it would not be built out.

As I rounded the corner and saw The Cloisters come into view I expected Robin Hood and his merry band of men to ride up and greet me. The gallery is in an area that is is extremely quiet and full of lots of trees. It was purposefully built like a monastery to try to give the art work a sense of place.

Outside of the Cloisters

Outside of the Cloisters

What is amazing about this gallery is that every archway or column in the structure of the building was originally from a medieval place of worship in Europe. JD Rockefeller, once again came to the rescue saving some of the greatest pieces of architecture that would have been destroyed. He had them transported to this gallery and they built them into the structure of the building.

One of the any arches that JD Rockefeller saved.

Medieval arch and door.

One of the most beautiful arches within the gallery.

An up close picture of the previous archway that was saved from destruction. 

Medieval alter and crucifix.

An old medieval door.

Each of the columns displayed are different types of french marble columns.

The gallery had 4 gardens that were so peaceful and tranquil. I honestly could not tell you which one I liked the most.

Medieval doors and painting (above the door).

Medieval wooden angel.

The following pictures are old stain glass windows
from around Europe.

Wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and baby.

Medieval tapestries. 

Medieval tapestry - up close. 

Medieval fireplace.

Another tapestry.

Painting of the birth of baby Jesus on wood.

There is a section of the cloisters that looks at medieval tombs.
These are real tombs.

Another example of an old stain glass window. 

The following pictures are of illuminated manuscripts.

Another garden within the Cloisters.

Yet another garden - this one was growing vegetables and greens that would have been consumed during the medieval period.

A life size wooden statue of Jesus riding on a donkey (just before he is betrayed).

A painting of "the annunciation".

The columns were saved from one church and the semi circular painted roof was saved from an old Spanish church.

Concerts are held in this room because of the great acoustics. 

This place is truly a beautiful peaceful place, but if you have any issues with viewing religious art then this is not the place for you.

I totally loved the place.