Why is it called "The Cloisters". It is a great question and it is answered with two definitions that both define what this place is.
The first definition as a Noun:a covered walk in a convent, monastery, college, or cathedral, typically with a wall on one side and a colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other.
The second definition as a verb:
seclude or shut up in or as if in a convent or monastery.
So, this place is aptly named because it is both. 
And the cloisters has the one thing that is my favorite of all the things I have seen on my adventure around America. This simple yet beautiful wood box. There is something about this box that I love. Not sure why. It is what it is. This box was made somewhere in the south of France between 1200 and 1225.
The painting on the box tell the story of the capture of William of Orange and I have turned it into a project that you can make.
 Make the medieval box with the heroic story on it.
It's a beautiful box and I have a full tutorial showing you how to make it. I keep pencils and office supplies in mine: Make the Medieval Box
The building surrounds a garden courtyard that you can walk around. And see that area underneath all the arches in the second picture below? That area goes all the way around the garden courtyard. It is a covered area and it is a cloister. 
The building surrounds a garden courtyard that you can walk around. And see that area underneath all the arches. That area goes all the way around the garden courtyard. It is a covered area and it is a cloister.
The structure itself of the museum isn't strict Middle Ages. It is inspired by and is a paraphrasing of medieval proportions and styles.
And one important design component of the cloisters is the entrance walk. You enter from the street then walk up this long and solemn corridor to get into the building proper. This isn't an accident or an oversight. This is very specifically done. And for two reasons. First off you have this quiet walk which gives you time to calm yourself and get into a more solemn tone. You can leave the noise and static of the outside world behind you. Second you are ascending into something. It is all very well thought out and very well done.
The most famous pieces at the cloisters is the series of Unicorn Tapestries. You can see pictures here.
Stained Glass windows at the Cloisters -
Being a museum that specializes in the Medieval Period the Cloisters of course has a wonderful selection of Stained Glass windows. You can see some of them here.
 Will Travels Medieval America -
Will is on a quest to build a castle. And as part of this he has embarked on an adventure across America visiting castles, blacksmiths, meaderies, museums and all sorts of medieval places. You can follow along on the adventure! Yes, there are castles in America and Will is visiting them!! Check it out here: Medieval America
Want to visit the cloisters?
They are located at: 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York NY 10040
The official website is here: The Cloisters |
