A Cloister is a covered walkway or open arcade surrounding a courtyard. Enclosed within the perimeter walls, the cloister and courtyard are a controlled introspective environment. In a monastery, the cloister provides a space for study, quiet contemplation, and exercise.
Cloisters have been built since at least since the fifth century.
The word cloister comes from the Latin word clausura meaning "to shut up". Essentially, it means to enclose or create a barrier from the outside world where one practices silence to acquire introspection.
On a steep hill overlooking the Hudson River in the Washington Heights neighborhood of upper Manhattan rests The Met Cloisters. It is a modern building (built in 1938) which incorporates the remnants of various medieval European abbeys and monasteries.
The main building and three cloisters seamlessly intertwine the collection of medieval artwork and architecture.
It is a visual feast, not a synthetic theme park, it has an authenticity that leaves you in awe.
It has been described as, "...perhaps the supreme example of curatorial genius working in exquisite harmony with vast wealth."
An exuberant Indiana Jones type character named George Grey Barnard, through pluck and determination over decades, acquired an extensive collection of architectural artifacts from war-torn Europe. His collection specialized in churches and abbeys from 12th century monastic orders. Stone by stone his collection grew.
In 1925, he was in financial trouble and J. D. Rockefeller JR. stepped in, bought the collection, and worked with the Metropolitan Museum to create this stunning museum.
Philanthropic money combined with curatorial and architectural expertise created an environment where the building is as much the show as the extensive art collection housed within.
It is well worth your time to visit.
Stroll your way through hallways, by the stained glass windows and observe exquisite artwork.
Admire the ancient craftsmanship, which blends perfectly with the building. Walk the cloisters. If you can find a quiet spot away from the other museumgoers, you might just have a spiritual moment.
Take a walk with Birkenstock.
