Met Cloisters

I visited the Met Cloisters a few weeks ago. It’s a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe.

I was struck by how beautiful the place was. It’s set on a hilltop in upper Manhattan with commanding views of the Hudson River — a modern monastery.

Why the name? Cloisters are covered walkways surrounding a central open courtyard or garden. They served as a quiet, contemplative space for monks to meditate & study.

Here’s what's amazing: Art collector George Barnard brought actual 800-year-old monastery fragments from France and Spain and reassembled them in NYC in 1938.

The atmosphere was quite divine—tranquil gardens surrounded by stained glass, tapestries, manuscripts, and metalwork.

Highly recommend a visit — a hidden gem in NYC!