The Treasures of Upper Manhattan
Having lived in Washington Heights, I often feel frustrated that New York City’s northern neighborhoods are disregarded by so many Manhattanites. Yea, sure, they aren’t as dense with attractions (or tourists) as midtown or as stylish as Brooklyn, but the sites that upper Manhattan does have are absolute treasures.
If you’ve “seen it all before” (or even if you haven’t, and you just want your trip to be a little less typical) check out northern Manhattan. It’s easy to do in a half a day, and it’s definitely worth the subway ride.
The Main Event: The Met Cloisters
The Cloisters, a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, was built to showcase the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Elements from actual medieval cloisters from various European towns are incorporated into the building, creating the feeling of being in Europe.
George Barnard, a medieval art enthusiast, was the original collector of much of the Cloister’s pieces. His collection, as well as the building in which it was kept, was purchased by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Rockefeller later purchased the surrounding land (which became Fort Tryon Park) as well as 700 acres of New Jersey’s Palisades to ensure that the view from The Cloisters remained natural and pristine. To top it off, Rockefeller contributed some of his own art to the collection, the most significant being the prized unicorn tapestries.
When you visit the Cloisters, you’re not just getting to see beautiful and historic artwork; you are surrounded by a stunning structure interspersed with beautiful, little courtyards, all of which are hidden in this quiet and lush park. You basically step out of the hustle and bustle of New York City, and into medieval Europe. It’s wonderful.
Since there is so much to see, I thought I’d list my three favorite aspects of The Cloisters:
1. The Unicorn Tapestries
These tapestries alone are worth a visit to The Cloisters. The series of seven tapestries are considered to be among the greatest artworks in existence. The tapestries depict a unicorn hunt, which is a little sad, but quite interesting. They are beautifully woven and extremely ornate, but also rich with symbolism. Here is an interesting article on the mystery of these tapestries. https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-mystery-mets-unicorn-tapestries-remains-unsolved
2. The courtyards:
The largest courtyard is located on the main floor in the center of the museum. I often see visitors sitting in the courtyard, sketching, people watching, and generally soaking in the calm of the lovely, little garden.
There are two other courtyards located on the floor below.
The gardens planted in the courtyards are comprised of flowers and vegetables that one would have found in a medieval cloister.
3. The Music
Typically museums don’t have a soundtrack, but to make the experience all that more real, medieval music is played throughout The Cloisters museum.
Getting there
Take the A train (blue) to 191st (make sure it’s the A, as it’s the express train and will get you there the fastest). The exit to the subway station is at the entrance to Fort Tryon Park.
This park is a treasure in itself, with flowered pathways and hill top views of the Hudson and New Jersey beyond.
Follow the signs to The Cloisters. You’ll see it; it’s a giant mideival building in the middle of the park.
For additional information on hours and ticket prices.
Other Places to Checkout
Jumel Morris Mansion
I visited this spot unexpectedly when I was visiting my Washington Heights based cousins. They had joined a new parents group, which met on the lawn of the Jumel Morris Mansion. Funny that such a casual meeting led me to this amazing historic home.
The mansion was originally built as a summer residence and farmhouse in 1765. When the revolutionary war broke out, the owners of the home fled.
In 1776, General George Washington and his officers moved in and made the house their headquarters.
The mansion sits on the second highest peak in Manhattan, which makes it a very strategic spot. Using it to his advantage, Washington was able to score his first victory, the battle of Harlem Heights.
The house ended up changing hands a few times over the course of the war. However, President Washington did manage to return, holding his first ever cabinet dinner in the mansion.
In 1810, the house was purchased and was privately owned for another 100 years before it was purchased by the City of New York and preserved as a historic Landmark.
The 18th century home is a site to see against the backdrop of the New York City landscape.
Sylvan Terrace
This quaint cobblestone street was originally the carriage drive to the Morris Mansion.
During the late 1800’s, two rows of adorable wooden homes were built which served as housing for laborers and civil servants. The street and its homes are protected by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
United Palace Theater
Built in the 1930s, United Palace is the 4th largest theater in Manhattan! It’s a stunning building, and is even more ornate on the inside. Check out the calendar to catch a historic tour.
George Washington Bridge
Take the footpath across the bridge for amazing views of Manhattan and the Hudson River.
Jeffrey Hook’s Light
Directly below the George Washington Bridge is the historic Little Red Lighthouse. The lighthouse was used until the 1930s, when the lights from the newly built GW Bridge made the lighthouse obsolete.
The coast guard had planned to dismantle the lighthouse, but was met with public outcry.
They deeded the lighthouse to the New York Department of Parks and Recreation, and it was subsequently listed as a New York City Landmark.
As you can see, there are some pretty amazing places to check out in northern Manhattan. So, if you want to venture off the beaten sidewalk, don’t head to Brooklyn – head north! You’ll have a truly unique experience, and you’ll be able to say you’ve seen more of the city than the average New Yorker!
I’d love to hear about your experience venturing north! Any interesting finds that should be added to this list?
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