My New Favorite, The Cloisters

Wow, I guess it is forever ago that I visited the Cloisters, for some reason I just never finished my blog post on it!  It was the start of May and I had just actually even heard about the place a couple days before and knew that I needed to head waaaay up in the Bronx to check it out.  The Cloisters is a branch of the Met Museum and is a collection of art, artifacts and architecture from Medieval Europe.  It is located in the Bronx's Fort Tryton Park, overlooking the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge (I can't help but sing the song every time I hear that).  The building incorporates elements from five Medieval French cloisters (rooms enclosed by a roofed or vaulted passageway) and from other monastery sites in southern France.  There are three gardens that are based on information found in poetry, garden documents and Medieval works of art.  There are about 5000 works of art of all kinds dating back to 800AD and focusing on the 12th-15 centuries.

I really didn't know what to expect when I got off the subway in the Bronx.  I don't think one every really knows what to expect in the Bronx, but it was actually gorgeous and so quiet and pretty.  It was also a short walk to the museum through Fort Tryton Park which is now my favorite park in NYC.


View of the GW Bridge:

A field of Heather:

A crow on some old stairs:

Fort Tryton lookout:

You would never guess that this is all NYC!:

Cloisters Museum:

Even though it was a short hike, it was actually a pretty good hike, all uphill and up stairs and it was crazy hot that day!  Anyway I made, it nice and sweaty!  The building was quite breathtaking, like an old castle.  Everything made of stone, it really felt like taking a step back in time.  And because I went on a Wednesday morning at opening there was almost no one there, which is very rare and something that I LOVE!

Since I am not very well versed on Medieval history, I have included the information placards from most of the art work photos that I included.  But as usual, enjoy the photos, they are the most important part.

Breathtaking first look, the Fuendtidueña Chapel:

One of the many beautiful hallways with intricate pillars:

One of the courtyards and fountains:

I absolutely love old Medieval doors.  They were all over Peru like this, from the Spanish influence and I love them.

The Langon Chapel.  I loved that there was actually a Latino guy in here praying:

Outdoor walkway/ terrace:

Pontaut Chapter House:

13th Century Doors:

The first of the three gardens:

Tapestry of Caesar:

I didn't get the info on this, but the whole thing was so intricate I was in awe.  The bronze eagle candelabra on the right was especially amazing:

This was one of my favorite things.  Not sure why, I just thought it was so cute:

And this one, a slightly creepy child but cute at the same time :

This was much more delicate than it looks in the picture.  It was about 8"x3":

One of the herb/vegetable gardens:

This book was a tiny little picture book:

I wish this picture turned out better, a beautiful ivory cross:

After a few hours, and a light (expensive) museum lunch I decided to walk back a different way through the park.  More spring beauty! So pretty.

A very angry squirrel.  He did not like me creeping' on him:

One last view.  The cherry tree at the end was one of the most lush I have ever seen.

Like I said, this is my new favorite museum as well as my new favorite park.  it takes about 30-40 minutes to get up here from midtown Manhattan but it is so worth it and a totally different NYC.  If you have time, it is a must, especially in the spring/summer/fall to enjoy the beauty of the park.  For more information check out : The Cloisters Museum