The Cloisters Library collects research material for the study of medieval art and related topics. The collection of approximately 15,000 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 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. 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: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Telephone: 212-396-5319
Fax: 212-795-3640
Email: cloisters.library@metmuseum.org
Related Links
Recent Acquisitions
Digital Collections
Cloisters Publications Pre-1964
Cloisters Publications 1964–Present
