The Cloisters In Wash Heights Have Reopened: 5 Things To Know

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — The Met Cloisters in Washington Heights reopened earlier this week after an extended closure due to the coronavirus.

The popular spot in Upper Manhattan is located at 99 Margaret Corbin Drive in Fort Tryon Park, and is a museum governed by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The space is dedicated to medieval Europe's art and architecture and offers lush gardens and views overlooking the Hudson River.

However, like all museums currently going through the reopening process in New York City, the Cloisters are opening back up with a new set of safety guidelines and adjusted hours.

Here are five things to know about what the Cloisters and what the museum is doing differently in its reopening.

1. New Hours

• The Cloisters will be open to the public from Thursday to Monday, and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Additionally, the new hours will be from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. through October, before switching to 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. starting in November.

2. Changes To Ticketing And Reservations

• Entry to the museum is only allowed through buying a timed ticket or making a reservation on The Met's website, and capacity is limited.

3. New Health Guidelines Implemented For Safety

• The Met is implementing a variety of safety protocols to best keep everyone healthy. All visitors will receive a temperature check upon entering the Cloisters, also have to wear face covering and maintain physical distance from other visitors.

4. How Long Have The Cloisters Been Closed?

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art shut down its three New York City locations on March 13. The Met made the decision in order to "protect and support our staff, volunteers, and visitors." The Met's Upper East Side location reopened on Aug. 29 at 25 percent capacity. The museum projected a $150 million loss due to the extended closure.

5. What's The History Of The Cloisters?

• The Met Cloisters, which first opened to the public in 1938, is home to roughly 2,000 works of art from medieval Europe. The art features mostly pieces from the 12th through the 15th century, and include manuscripts, stained glass, metalworks, tapestries, and more.