The Met Cloisters
Branch of the Metropolitan, showcasing medieval art in a French monastery overlooking the Hudson.
The Met Cloisters is rated 4.8 / 5 from 9,020 Google reviews and sits about 3.9 km (49 min walk) from Van Cortlandt Park–242 St station.
General overview
About The Met Cloisters
The Met Cloisters is The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s branch devoted to medieval European art and architecture. Located in Fort Tryon Park, it combines galleries, reconstructed architectural elements, gardens, courtyards, and Hudson River views in a setting inspired by medieval monasteries.
- The Unicorn Tapestries, among the museum’s best-known medieval masterpieces
- The Romanesque apse from San Martín at Fuentidueña
- The Annunciation Triptych, also known as the Mérode Altarpiece
- Medieval cloisters, chapels, stained glass, sculpture, metalwork, manuscripts, and devotional art
- Seasonal gardens inspired by medieval horticulture
- Fort Tryon Park and views across the Hudson River
Things to do here
Medieval art galleries
Explore European art dating primarily from the 12th through 15th centuries, displayed amid historic architectural elements.
The Unicorn Tapestries
View the celebrated late-medieval tapestry cycle depicting the hunt and capture of a unicorn.
Cloisters and courtyards
Walk through reconstructed monastic cloisters incorporating medieval stonework from France and Spain.
Medieval gardens
See herbs, flowers, and fruit plants connected with medieval food, medicine, symbolism, and art. Displays vary by season.
Gallery talks and programs
The museum may offer guided tours, collection talks, family activities, concerts, and seasonal programs.
Fort Tryon Park
Combine the museum with a walk through the surrounding landscaped park and its Hudson River overlooks.
The museum is in northern Manhattan and takes longer to reach from Midtown than The Met Fifth Avenue. A common route is the A train to 190th Street, followed by a walk through Fort Tryon Park or a local bus connection. Allow extra time for hills, stairs, and weekend transit changes.
Timed reservations are not generally essential for ordinary admission, but buying ahead can simplify entry. Reserve separately for ticketed concerts, workshops, or special programs.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Watch first
Video
The Met Cloisters | The Metropolitan Museum of Art · Jay & Sway (YouTube)
Most asked
How to reach
The Met Cloisters is about 3.9 km (~49 min walk) from Van Cortlandt Park–242 St station on the New York City Subway.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Van Cortlandt Park
Places to visit · 16 min walk
★ 4.6
Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center
Restaurants · 18 min walk
★ 4.8
LIV Hotel Bronx - Newly Built
Hotels · 32 min walk
★ 4.0
Edgar Allan Poe Cottage
Hotels · 34 min walk
★ 4.5
Rory Dolan's Restaurant & Bar
Restaurants · 38 min walk
★ 4.6
Inwood Bar & Grill
Restaurants · 40 min walk
★ 4.8
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to The Met Cloisters from Van Cortlandt Park–242 St station?
The Met Cloisters is about 3941 m (roughly 49 min walk) from Van Cortlandt Park–242 St station on the New York City Subway. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is The Met Cloisters rated?
The Met Cloisters has a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 9,020 reviews.
What's near The Met Cloisters?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Van Cortlandt Park, Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center, LIV Hotel Bronx - Newly Built.
Is The Met Cloisters wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for The Met Cloisters: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near The Met Cloisters?
Google lists these parking options near The Met Cloisters: free parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking.
Is The Met Cloisters good for children?
Yes — Google lists The Met Cloisters as good for children.
Is The Met Cloisters part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Yes. It is The Met’s northern Manhattan branch specializing in the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe.
Does admission include The Met Fifth Avenue?
Historically, a Met admission ticket has included same-day access to The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Confirm the current validity period and re-entry rules when purchasing.
Do I need a reservation?
Ordinary general admission has generally not required an advance reservation, though advance purchase is convenient. Concerts, workshops, group tours, and other limited-capacity programs may require separate booking.
How do I get there by subway?
A common route is the A train to 190th Street. From there, walk through Fort Tryon Park or use a local bus connection when available. Check current MTA service because elevator access and weekend routes can change.
Is there parking?
There is limited parking in Fort Tryon Park near the museum, but it can fill early. Public transportation is generally the more dependable option.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. Tapestries, armor-like objects, carved creatures, gardens, and architecture can appeal to families. Children must be supervised, and narrow historic spaces may make large strollers inconvenient.
Are the gardens open all year?
The garden spaces are seasonal, and their planting displays, opening status, and accessibility depend on weather and maintenance.
Can I bring food?
Food and beverages are not allowed in galleries. Use designated café or outdoor areas and follow posted rules.
Is The Met Cloisters fully wheelchair accessible?
Many principal areas have accessible routes, but the historic setting and park terrain create limitations. Contact the museum or review its accessibility information for current elevator, entrance, and garden-route details.
What else is nearby?
Fort Tryon Park, Heather Garden, Hudson River overlooks, and the surrounding Washington Heights and Inwood neighborhoods can be combined with the visit.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 11, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.