The Cloisters Library and Archives contain materials specifically for the study of medieval art and related topics. The library's collection of approximately thirteen thousand volumes encompasses medieval architecture, tapestries, painting, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, sculpture, ivories, and metalwork. Works on medieval history and the medieval garden are also collected. The archives contain material relating to the history of The Cloisters, as well as the papers of Sumner McKnight Crosby (1909–1982; medieval art historian, Yale University), the papers of Harry Bober (1915–1988; medieval art historian, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University), and other research collections.
The Cloisters museum and gardens is located in Fort Tryon Park. Its library is open to qualified researchers by appointment only. All of the library's holdings appear in WATSONLINE, the Museum libraries' online catalog, and most are also accessible to outside researchers through the Thomas J. Watson Library. Requests for access to archival holdings should be sent via email and should include a brief summary of the research project and sources already consulted. Access is granted at the discretion of the librarian and certain materials may be restricted.
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Telephone: 212-396-5319
Fax: 212-795-3640
Email: cloisters.library@metmuseum.org
