| | | |  |  |  |  | | Spectrum of Desire: Love, Sex, and Gender in the Middle Ages | | OPENING SOON | October 17, 2025–March 29, 2026
Gallery 002, Fuentidueña Chapel
Set in the stunning atmosphere of The Met Cloisters, this exhibition explores the often-overlooked themes of desire, sexuality, and gender in the medieval past, a period of time when most artistic production served religious purposes.
Desire in the Middle Ages was multifaceted. It could be courtly or carnal, sacred or subversive, and expressed as a kind of longing, suffering, or joy. Medieval artists could be both deeply serious and comical in their evocations of these feelings. Drawing on decades of scholarship, Spectrum of Desire opens up new ways of seeing the past through stirring works of art that inspire us to think more expansively about people who lived in the Middle Ages, their relationships, and the artworks they produced.
Featuring more than fifty works—from gold jewelry and ivory sculptures to stained glass, illuminated manuscripts, and woven textiles—this exhibition showcases the richness of visual expression in western Europe from the 13th to the 15th century, drawing primarily from The Met collection. This exploration of the visual language of desire in its many forms invites us to reflect on our own ideas of love, identity, and kinship today.
Learn more → | |  |  | | Garden Tour | | GUIDED TOURS | Daily through October 31
11 am–12 pm | | | |  | | Met Expert Talks at The Met Cloisters—Spectrum of Desire | Friday, October 17, 12–1 pm
Main Hall, The Met Cloisters
Join Museum experts, including curators, conservators, scientists, and scholars, for a deep dive, into a selection of objects in the galleries. Hear new insights and untold stories from Met insiders and take a closer look. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions.
Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Spectrum of Desire: Love, Sex, and Gender.
Free with Museum admission; admission is pay what you wish for New York state residents, and free for children 12 and under with an adult, and a caregiver accompanying a visitor with a disability. Note: Space is limited; first come, first served.
Learn more → |  | | The Met Cloisters Late Night: All Hallows' Eve | Thursday, October 30, 6–9 pm
Museum-wide, The Met Cloisters
Join us for a special after-hours event at The Met Cloisters and discover the mysterious, mystical, and magical world of the Middle Ages. Make art, meet experts, enjoy a performance, view the exhibition Spectrum of Desire: Love, Sex, and Gender in the Middle Ages, and much more.
Drink specials and light fare available for purchase. Activities are subject to change.
Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Spectrum of Desire: Love, Sex, and Gender in the Middle Ages.
Fee: $50. Note: Space is limited; advance registration is required.
Learn more → | | | | Accessibility at The Met
The Met is committed to accessibility for all. For information about accessibility, programs, and services for people with disabilities at both Met sites, visit metmuseum.org/access. To request an access accommodation for virtual programs or online resources, email [email protected], or call 212-650-2010. For information about accessibility on our website, see our Website Accessibility Statement. | Spectrum of Desire: Love, Sex, and Gender in the Middle Ages is made possible by the Michel David-Weill Fund and Kathryn A. Ploss.
Public programs at The Met Cloisters are made possible in part by The Helen Clay Frick Foundation.
For Education program funders, visit metmuseum.org/educationfundingsupport.
Your support allows the Museum to collect, conserve, and present 5,000 years of world art. Donate now.
Images: Aquamanile in the Form of Phyllis and Aristotle, Netherlandish, late 14th or early 15th century. Copper alloy, 12 ¾ x 7 x 15½ in. (32.5 x 17.9 x 39.3 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Robert Lehman Collection, 1975 (1975.1.1416) | Día de Muertos at The Met Cloisters image by Argenis Apolinario | All other photos by Filip Wolak | | | |
