The Cloisters Library and Archives
The Cloisters Library is now open for research appointments. All researchers are required to adhere to Visitor Guidelines.
The Cloisters Library collects research material for the study of medieval art and related topics. The collection of approximately fifteen thousand volumes encompasses medieval architecture, painting, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, sculpture, and decorative arts. Works on medieval history and gardens are also collected. The archives contain material relating to the history of the museum such as papers of James J. Rorimer, the museum's founding director, and George Grey Barnard, who amassed the core of its collection. Also held are the papers of medieval art historians Sumner McKnight Crosby and Harry Bober, art dealers Joseph and Ernest Brummer, and others.
The Met Cloisters 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. 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.
Related Links
Cloisters Publications Pre-1964
Cloisters Publications 1964–Present
Collection Development Policy
The Metropolitan Museum of Art libraries have created the following collection development policy as a planning guide for developing the Cloisters Library collection, and to clarify the selection criteria used to build and maintain that collection.
The Cloisters Library collects research material for the study of medieval art and related topics. The collection of approximately fifteen thousand volumes encompasses medieval architecture, painting, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, sculpture, and decorative arts. Works on medieval history and gardens are also collected.
Contact Us
Telephone: 212-396-5319
Fax: 212-795-3640
Email: Cloisters.Library@metmuseum.org
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10 am to 4:30 pm (by appointment only)