Cloisters Museum & Gardens – Game of Kings

You could easily kill this holiday Monday eating leftovers and watching a TV-show marathon. (I vote for Inside the Actor’s Studio on Bravo!) At some point, though, you should probably ward off cabin fever and breathe in some fresh air. Jump on the A train and journey way uptown to the medieval oasis that is The Cloisters Museum & Gardens. There are many reasons to go any time of year (see below), but go now to see The Game of Kings: Medieval Ivory Chessmen from the Isle of Lewis. The Lewis Chessmen date from 12th century Scotland and are carved in intricate detail from walrus ivory. They are so individualized and interesting, and this is the largest collection to ever travel outside the UK. Take this chance to see them in NYC!

If you’ve been there before, you know that The Cloisters is one of those NYC destinations that feels like you’ve been magically transported to a far away land. Nestled in Fort Tryon Park, the building incorporates five medieval cloisters and houses an expansive collection of medieval European artwork, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, metalwork, enamels, ivories, and ornate tapestries. Stroll the covered walkways and open galleries and spend a good long time gazing at the exquisite Unicorn Tapestries.

Unfortunately, the museum's little Trie Café is closed for the season. Maybe bundle up and pack a picnic for Fort Tryon Park, or splurge on lunch at New Leaf. 'Tis the season for indulgences, so what's one more, right?

Ingredients:

Venue: The Cloisters Museum & Gardens

Artists: Various artists from the ninth to sixteenth centuries

Streets: Fort Tryon Park - Margaret Corbin Drive, 190th St

Eats: Trie Café, New Leaf

Map: