Description: Perched atop a timberline ridge overlooking the Hudson River Valley is one of NYC's finest museums that tends to receive undue patronage.
The Cloisters, featuring medieval relics and recreated gardens from some of Europe's grandest cathedrals, is blessed with reverence and natural tranquility with its distant northern location. Opened to the public in 1938, works of religious art and architecture styles, from the Romanesque and Gothic eras spanning more than 500 years, are showcased within 17 different sectors.
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The museum itself combines an ancient rural church facade with regal castle qualities, perhaps the biggest disappointment being that the bell tower isn't open for elevated viewings. A coolness permeates the stone core through dungeon-like hallways that open into mini-chapels that have incorporated structure parts from churches and cathedrals across Europe. Intricate carvings and details within the pieces are clearly labeled with significance outlined on fine-print placards that are rather difficult to read in the darkened interiors, which also deters viewing, especially in the tapestry rooms. Consider bringing a pen flashlight and reading glasses. Photo opportunities are limited, with flash photography prohibited.
Some of the most impressive pieces of chalices and religious icons of precious metals are tucked away in the air-controlled Campin Room, easily overlooked with its small, closed entry. Don't miss the glass case displaying 52 odd-shaped, oversized items that are numbered and in four different styles. They're believed to be one of the first decks of playing cards. Other museum must-sees include the Gothic Chapel burial vaults and the Glass Gallery.
However, most impressive are the four separate cloisters that have been reassembled representing different Middle Age periods from the south of France and Pyrénées regions. The smallest is the Saint-Guilhem Cloister, with the most intricate and ornate detail, especially within the support columns that surround the marbled center. The Cuxa Cloister is heart of the museum and most traditional. During winter, the area is enclosed with glass to maintain a year-round outdoor setting.
On the lower level, the Bonnefort Cloister takes on more of a garden atmosphere without the open-air, covered walkways that enclose most cloisters. Benches are scattered about the plants. A waist-high wall surrounds the area featuring placid views of Fort Tryon Park and the River Valley that sprawls beyond. At the admissions desk, when first entering, make sure to pick up the brochure entitled Garden's of the Cloisters, which gives detail to religious and medicinal purposes of why gardens held such importance.
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The back wall with stone-arched porticos peers into the Trie Cloister, which doubles as museum-café from May to October. Tables line narrow passageways which hem a small, peaceful garden centered with traditional sculpted fountain. Sandwiches start at $7.50, and chips, fruit,and other snacks/drinks are $2.50+.
- The Scoop: The $15 admission fee is also good for touring the Metropolitan Museum of Art along Fifth Avenue. Depending on timeframe, they sometimes allow a 48-hour usage period. If not, play stupid and go anyway. Admission fee is only suggested.
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