Where Are the Unicorn Tapestries in Paris?

By Anna Duncan

If you are a fan of medieval art and history, you might have heard of the famous Unicorn Tapestries. These are a series of seven tapestries that depict the hunt and capture of a mythical creature, the unicorn. The tapestries are considered to be one of the greatest works of art from the Middle Ages and are highly valued for their historical and artistic significance.

Many people believe that these tapestries are located in France, specifically in Paris, but this is actually not true. The Unicorn Tapestries can be found in The Cloisters museum in New York City, which is a part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

So why do so many people think that the tapestries are in Paris? One reason could be because they were originally created in Europe during the late 15th century and early 16th century for wealthy patrons. The tapestries were likely made in Brussels or Flanders and were owned by several European monarchs before they were eventually sold to an American collector named John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Another reason why people might associate the Unicorn Tapestries with Paris is because there is a museum in Paris called Musée de Cluny that has a collection of medieval art including several other famous tapestries like “The Lady and the Unicorn.” However, despite its name, Musée de Cluny does not actually have any of the Unicorn Tapestries.

In conclusion, while many people might associate the Unicorn Tapestries with Paris due to their European origins and association with medieval art, they can actually be found thousands of miles away in The Cloisters museum in New York City. If you’re ever in town, it’s definitely worth checking out these beautiful works of art that have captivated audiences for centuries.