There's a small, but very interesting visiting exhibit at the Cloisters of ivory chess figures from the 12th century. Although probably carved in Norway, they were unearthed on the Isle of Lewis in the 19th century. What happened in between remains a mystery.
If you have never visited the Cloisters before or haven't been in a long time, this might be a good occasion to visit. Select a nice sunny day when you can take advantage of walking around Fort Tryon Park.
Through April 22, 2012
http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2011/the-game-of-kings-medieval-ivory-chessmen-from-the-isle-of-lewis
At the Cloisters: The Lewis Chessmen
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I second the motion and visit the Hispanic Society, Trinity cemetery, church of the intersession, Museum of the City of NY etc on your way back to the Met.
We are only going for the weekend. Is it a long haul from the lower east side? Is it subway all the way there? I have looked at the exhibit and it looks fabulous!
willowjane - You would need the A train (an express) and then walk ten minutes. There is a bus, but that would take much longer. I don't know your interests, but if you are a lover of medieval art and architecture, the Cloisters is a very worthwhile outing. The tapestries, artifacts, cloisters, chapels, stained glass, etc. and the setting are very special. On the other hand, if someone who has not seen much of NY and just has a weekend, it might not be worth it.
http://www.metmuseum.org/visit/visit-the-cloisters/getting-to-the-cloisters
Thanks CPG! We have been several times,and I wanted to maybe try something different. We are seeing The Best Man on Saturday afternoon and we have the Frick and the Met Museum planned, but other than that we are "free". We may try this.
That is a lovely area to visit. If you have a CityPass, there is some deal with the Cloisters and the regular art museum (and maybe that applies to admissions in general, but I am drawing a blank here).
The Lewis Chessmen were the inspiration behind the fighting chessmen used in the Harry Potter films. They've been at the British Museum forever; I'm happy to hear they're traveling about again. It's a nice collection.
This is only part of the British Museum collection. There are also a fewer number permanently in Scotland. The fighting chessmen scene in HP was unique!
It's a lovely exhibit, which I saw shortly after opening, but it's quite small and will take much less time to look at carefully than the trip up to the Cloisters. However, if the weather is nice and you have an interest in medieval and religious art, it's a museum that is well worth seeing. But it's a real slog. Subway then bus (or a moderately long walk).
Your admission is good for the Metropolitan as well as the Cloisters or vice versa. Someone will chime in and clarify.
No clarification - you are right Bows -- and the way to do it is to subway up early - enjoy - and take a leisurely ride back on the M4 with stops along the way on a Friday or Saturday when the Met is open late!
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