This Ancient Spanish Monastery located in North Miami is an enclave for European architecture and history. Built in Spain in 1133, the cloisters and outbuildings were purchased by William Randolph Hearst in 1925 with plans to bring them to the United States. Taken apart stone by stone, it was packed in 11,000 wooden crates. In 1952, two Miami businessmen purchased the Monastery with plans to turn it into a tourist attraction. Time magazine called it "the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history," completed in 1953 and $20 million dollars. Sold to Robert Pentland Jr. in 1964, he in turn gave it to the Bishop of Florida. It is currently owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida. There is a museum with historic Spanish artifacts. While the church is at its core, the monastery surrounded by beautiful gardens and courtyard is an oasis of peace and serenity. A great place for special events. A wedding was being set up while we were there on a Sunday. Open 10-4 Monday to Friday and varies on weekends depending on events. Entrance fee is $10. read more

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This place is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth a visit. But be sure to call ahead or check their hours before you visit, they're not open every day. read more

Beautiful old monastery turned venue space in north miami. I went for a Haitian Independence day celebration cosponsored by the NOMIcra and it was amazing. The organizers utilized the outdoor areas for the stage, seating, bars, food vendors, and all other related activities. If invited to anything that is taking place at this site... then i highly recommend. read more

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First off, we didn't expect a $10 admission fee but it was fine as we wanted to explore the lands. There aren't many historical pieces to look at and honestly, there's more information about how the monastery came about online than in person. All in all, it's a beautiful ancient monastery with a ton of history in the walls and grounds. There are a lot of feral cats that they feed which I found one of the highlights! They are adorable and some of them love pets. Very happy to have spent time here and soaked up all the grounds, church, and the ancient but beautiful architecture. read more

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This place is a must see! It is probably the oldest and most historic place in all Miami, because it was created long before Miami ever existed and then, by chance, happen to be transported here. It is quiet and not too many people know about it, so not too many tourists. But there are photo shoots and events, so make sure it is open for public before going. The place is not an active monastery but it has active church and one can attend the service on Sundays. I haven't been to the service, so have nothing to add on that subject. The place is magnificent inside and outside with beautiful garden around. For some reason it is called labyrinth but there is only one road. Anyways, if you like history, if you like beautiful place, it is a place to be. The cover charge is $10 so quite affordable. There is also parking. And the front building has a lot of original pieces. Must see! read more

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Impressive what money and gumption can do. The garden is so peaceful with many cats running around The beauty of the building captured me as soon as I walked in. The vaulted ceilings were amazing read more

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I'm giving this place one star because the opening times they have online are inaccurate. We drove an hour as according to the website it was open and it was closed! No respect for people's time. When I explained that the website said it was open they couldn't care less. read more

Absolutely beautiful grounds. There is a lot of history in this small footprint. We were very lucky to have arrived right at 10 am on Wednesday so the grounds were almost empty and no photoshoots going on. Highly recommend seeing this beautiful place. read more

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A cool building but the information in the museum is sparse. The monastery was apparently transplanted from Spain a number of years ago. For $10, the lack of information on site about the origins of the monastery is disappointing. The lawn surrounding the monastery is well-manicured, and there are friendly feral cats hanging around the space. The monastery itself is definitely cool to explore and will not take much time to see all that is available. I think the Ancient Spanish Monastery is worth a stop if you have time, but you should not expect to learn very much relative to other museums. read more

Lovely hidden gem in the heart of town. $10/$5 adult/kid entrance fee. Some part is blocked off, but all and all lovely visit. read more

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I can be quite the architectural junkie for plenty of Miami treasures and this place deserves a standing ovation in more ways than one. Imagine being so rich that you ask for a complete dismantling of a Spaniard relic only to be intricately rebuilt in South Florida with the exact specifications of its original stance...takes gusto to say the least. It's certainly awe-inspiring and appreciated by those knowledgeable of its historical past. Each brick is laid with intent and it's final layout demonstrates such. After paying a nominal admission fee, the culture awaiting you is worth the photos you'll take and much more. The labyrinth makes everything come together...what an amazingly inspiring locale to take in the Spanish architectural influx that South Florida boasts in each decadently cultured layer we encompass. Dress accordingly as this subtropical climate makes room for a humid demonstration of how warm our climate can get. Each section and crevice of this gorgeously portrayed monastery truly showcases the culture our city embodies and makes our outdoor regions vastly superior to other metropolitan cities. 305TillIDie #MadeInDade (well, really Spain but you know what I mean) read more

This is a very beautiful place to visit on a warm day with the family. The grounds are kept very meticulous and pristine because this part of the monastery was brought from Spain to Miami and its 1000 years old. This would be a great place to have weddings or functions as well or if you wanted family Photos this is the place to be! There is a charge to enter the grounds and if you are a military member, a veteran or student show your ID and you'll get discounts. There is a catholic church on the grounds and I believe they have services here as well. There are plenty of parking spaces so you dont have to worry about where to park. Overall if you are a local or visiting this is the place to be on a nice warm day! read more

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It is the Oldest building in the whole Continent and most likely the only medieval structure from Alaska to Patagonia. An amazing work work of art put together in the 50's to become what today is an Episcopal Church and also known as the Old Spanish Monastery. Hearst bought in the 20's and had it shipped to NY a job only he could pull it of because he had the cash and the vision. Some say it was illegally brought to the US but I see nothing illegal about buying, not like what the Spaniards did in South America in the 16th century, they didn't pay for all the gold they took. All stones sat in NY for over 30 years until it was sold again Can't imagine putting a puzzle this size together, a job of this magnitude adds to the value of it's rich history. Peaceful place to meditate read more

The Ancient Spanish Monastery - Museums Near Me - North Miami Beach, Florida

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What a beautiful place in North Miami! I would have never found it if it weren't for the Smithsonian Museum Day. This was on the list of free places to visit and it worked out perfect since it was the area I was staying. I love the gardens, the structures brought from Spain, and the history behind this beautiful spiritual place. One can feel so calm and peaceful here. It's in the area of North Miami so it is convenient to the area as well as Aventura. With all the hustle and bustle area, you will find this place, a perfect place slow down just a little bit. Afterwards or beforehand visit The Alchemist for a perfect coffee or breakfast brunch item. It will surely be a perfect part of your day! read more

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A very pretty place for any occasion really! Although it is mainly recommended as a wedding venue.

I have been several times, but today I went during covid and although it said it was open, it was not! Pretty annoying, I don't know why during these cyber times they can not state this, to save people a trip. Anyway.. despite this hiccup, I will tell you, this place is a gem. The pictures I have posted are from today through the gate, as it was closed, I do however have some awesome pics somewhere in lost cyber space of previous trips. Anyway, what is super cool about this place is it was moved BRICK BY BRICK. YES U HEARD RIGHT!!! Here is some info from the wonderous web, to explain - History Construction of the Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux was begun in the year 1133 AD in Sacramenia, near Segovia in northern Spain. Completed eight years later in 1141, the Monastery was dedicated to the Blessed Mother and was originally named 'The Monastery of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels.' Upon the canonization of Bernard of Clairvaux in 1174, the Monastery was renamed in his honor. A Cistercian monk and mystic, the founder and abbot of the Abbey of Clairvaux, Bernard was one of the most influential church leaders of his time. Cistercian monks occupied the Monastery for nearly 700 years. After a social revolution in the 1830's, the Monastery's Cloisters were seized, sold, and converted into a granary and stable. In 1925, William Randolph Hearst purchased the Cloisters and the Monastery's outbuildings. The structures were dismantled stone by stone, bound with protective hay, packed in more than 11,000 wooden crates, numbered for identification and shipped to the United States. Soon after the shipment arrived, Hearst's financial problems forced most of his collection to be sold at auction. The massive crates remained in a warehouse in Brooklyn, New York, for 26 years. One year after Hearst's' death in 1952, they were purchased by two entrepreneurs for use as a tourist attraction. It took 19 months and the equivalent of nearly $20 million dollars (in today's currency) to put the Monastery back together. In 1953 Time magazine called it "the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history."In 1964, Colonel Robert Pentland, Jr, who was a multimillionaire banker, philanthropist and benefactor of many Episcopal churches, purchased the Cloisters and presented them to the Bishop of Florida. Today the parish Church of St. Bernard de Clairvaux is an active and growing congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida. read more

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This is beautiful from the outside. You can see most of it from the parking lot without paying admission. Inside there is a cloister but if you've been to Europe they are everywhere. If you pay admission, expect to see a lot of parties taking photographs - so many they can be a problem. The speaker was terrible, he knew nothing about the building from when it was in Spain. (My field is Spanish history.) But well worth seeing from the parking lot. read more

CALL AHEAD, MIGHT BE CLOSED! I give 5 starts to the Monastery and 1 star to the staff. They make up their own hours. The hours online said they are open until 5. I showed up at 2:30. They said they are closing at 3. I almost left then decided to stay. They were still letting people in at 4 pm. The employee names Vieni kept made the visit miserable. First, she misinformed us about the hours then she kept chasing us and not letting us take pictures . We saw other people taking photos and I have been there before and took photos, no problem. We asked the manager and the manager said we were allowed to take photos. If it wasn't for that employee, I would have enjoyed that beautiful place, like I always do. read more

I had my wedding in this magical location this past weekend. It was everything I dreamed of. Father Gregory and Carolina are amazing to work with. Recommended!..... read more

The Ancient Spanish Monastery - Church - Museums Near Me - North Miami Beach, Florida

I would like to share that this place is stunning!! My daughter had her wedding here all thanks to Carolina and Father Greg they are absolutely amazing people, they made everything possible and every single detail come true!! We had done a destination wedding as well and also this one for family and friends to attend that weren't able to travel and I honestly tell you this one was beyond!!!! The place is beautiful, the staff is great!!! Again Carolina is soooo helpful and Father Greg is the best! read more

A horrible experience. I went there with a friend because we wanted to know the monastery and of course take some photos with our phones but when we were ready to pay the ticket to enter the lady at the front desk told us that we were very dressed up (we were wearing summer dresses, this is Miami!) and we had to pay $250 to get in. We thought it was a joke, but no! We couldn't get in because we weren't dressed in accordance with the lady's perception. read more

The Ancient Spanish Monastery - Our glamorous dresses - Museums Near Me - North Miami Beach, Florida

Had not been here since I was a little kid. Looking to satiate my European thirst in this Covid travel deprived era I turned to the Ancient Spanish Monastery. Is it a photo shoot location, an active church, or an architectural gem of the medieval period? That is the conundrum with the Ancient Spanish Monastery. First the background. Built in Spain in the 1100s--before the reconquista and right after the Norman invasion fo England--the monastery (essentially the cloisters, was brought to the US by industrialist William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s. It was disassembled and brought over in crates stuffed with hay into the port of New York. The monastery was a working abbey for over 700 years until the Carlists wars upended much of traditional Spanish life. Spanish antiquities laws were lax and customs officials were easily taken care of. This was the era of US robber barons looting European treasures from a war ravaged recovering 1920s Europe. When Hearst brought it to the US a hoof and mouth epidemic gripped Spain and US Customs opened the crates which had been laboriously numbered in Spain and tossed out the hay; in an attempt to prevent the disease from coming here. They replaced the stones back in at random. Hearst then ran into financial trouble in the 1930s and sold off most of his mediveal collection which included another monastery sitting in crates in California. In the 1950s two developers purchased the crates which had been sitting in a Hearst warehouse in New York and decided to bring it to Miami. Over the course of 19 months it was painstakingly reassembled. First you drive through a series of rundown strip malls before you get to a small green patch and realize your at your destination. Why the City has allowed unbridled development here is a mystery. The exhibit's entrance is hopelessly antiquated and the collection is in desperate need of a major curating overhaul. At the front entrance is a tv showing the history of the place. Didn't watch it. It would be more appropriate to have an entrance, then a room to sit and watch the movie--updated-- in a big screen and then opening up to their collection of medieval artifacts. Knock out the offices in the back and increase the display floor more. Instead the room has a very 1970s vibe to it. (Hence minus a star). The gift shop was blocked by someone sitting next to the ticket attendant. Once you go out the eastern doors you see the Monastery. But there are littered pieces right by the door. They should be properly preserved. The Cloisters (covered central walk way) are the jewel in the crown of the site. Flanking the cloisters are the chapel and chapter house. There is a flyer at the main entrance and you need this as there is zero curation there. Inside the cloisters there were various photo shoots (a quince and a wedding). The monastery sits on gardens that probably had better days. (Minus a star). And here is the conundrum: it is an active Episcopalian church that rents out the location for photo shoots and as a pre Covid venue for weddings. It is not a scholarly place to preserve medieval history or place the artifacts in context. That is a shame. So is it a photo shoot location (wedding and Rick Ross videos) or a serious study of medieval artifacts? If you are familiar with the MET's Cloisters in New York City it is not. Is it just part of our Miami landscape that makes no sense for a nearly 900 year old building to be here? Yup. Welcome to Miami, enjoy the cloisters. read more

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This is one of the most peaceful interesting places to visit in all of South Florida and few seem to know about it or visit it. I see that we have duplicate listings so, basically this is a duplication of my review for the same which is listed: http://www.yelp.com/biz/spanish-monastery-and-gift-shop-north-miami-beach#hrid:xQmEfPU_sbQylL9tPhI90Q/src:self I love to tell my visiting friends that I am taking them to a Monastery that was built between the years 1133 and 1144. It takes them a moment, but then they all say that can't be because Columbus never even got here until 1492 at which point, being the flagrant deceitful lush that I am, I love to get them to put a wager on it. Its earned me many a free drink. Yes, as far as I know, it's the oldest church and may well be the oldest structure in America. And, to be located on West Dixie Highway!?! Like who would have thunk!!!! read more

What a pleasant surprice in North Miami Beach stucked away in the city. Medieval monastery transported from Spain and rebuilt in America . It a great place to have a photo shoot or wedding. I hear there is even Church service on Sundays. read more

Came here for a photo shoot and boy, I was really shocked that this beautiful historic structure was tucked away in the middle of a hustling bustling busy city. You can even hear the trains pass through. As soon as you walk through the gates, it feels like you're transformed to another area that is not Miami. I guess that's why so many engagements and Quinceañera photo shoots take place. It really feels romantic to just stroll through the grounds. The church itself is small, but gives you such an intimate feel. If you pass through, please be respectful and be quiet when church service is taking place. I know you want your pictures, but it is after all a place of worship and we should all respect that. read more

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If you wish you could go to Europe and explore the relics of the Renaissance but don't have the money to drop on a plane ticket then we have the next best thing in our own backyard. If you can't travel to Europe not to worry Europe has been painstakingly brought to you brick by brick in the form of this incredible Spanish Monastery that was completed in the year of 1141 AD which was 360 years before Columbus even set sail for the New World! The monastery was built in Sacramenia Spain. I don't know how Spain feels about having their treasure here but it was taken at a time when there was less thought given to plundering the treasures of other nations and taking them from their native lands. Due to a social revolution in the 1830's in Spain the monastery was seized from the monks living there and turned into a stable. It was at this point that newspaper titian William Randolph Hearst bought the Cloisters and outbuildings and had them dismantled, packed in 11,000 crates, and shipped to the US. An outbreak of hoof and mouth disease thought to be carried in the straw of the crates and Hearst's financial problems caused the boxes to remain in storage in NY for the next 26 years. After Hearst dies William Edgemon and Raymond Moss purchased the Cloisters and paid 13 million dollars to reassemble it. After it was reconstructed it was purchased by Robert Pentland Jr. a wealthy benefactor of the church and today the Monastery is once again home to an active congregation, the Church of St. Bernard de Clairvaux. We arrived at the Monastery in the later part of the afternoon. The normal price to enter is $10 for adults and $5 for students. The credit card machine was down so for $10 cash they let us in. You enter through the museum and gift shop. There are many interesting relics from the Middle Ages on display. The hymnarium is an 800 year old handwritten collection of hymns written in berries on lambskin parchment. There is also a suit of armor from the 1600's from Hearst's own collection. From the museum you enter into the gardens. There you will find an iron gate with an image of the Spanish nobleman who owned it on top. You can also see a stone with the date of 1141! From the garden you enter into the South Cloisters, the Chapel, the East Cloisters, and the North Cloisters. There is literally a precious relic around every corner. Be sure to pick up a free guide in the gift shop before you leave so that you can have a self guided tour. This place is an incredible treasure. I think it is so crazy to be standing in front of something so old with the skyscrapers of Miami peeking out from behind it. I also love the friendly Monastery cats who come up to you for a little love. If you haven't been to this unique attraction you need to cross it off your list. No need to go to Spain just pay a visit to North Miami. read more

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A horrible experience. I went there with a friend because we wanted to know the monastery and of course take some photos with our phones but when we were ready to pay the ticket to enter the lady at the front desk told us that we were very dressed up (we were wearing summer dresses, this is Miami!) and we had to pay $250 to get in. We thought it was a joke, but no! We couldn't get in because we weren't dressed in accordance with the lady's perception read more

The monastery is pretty. It has some neat architecture. The feat of bringing it to the US is intriguing. But its overpriced for admission. We spent maybe 30 minutes there and read every plaque and covered the whole property so anything over the 5 dollars we paid (because all of a sudden the price was 10 per person when we arrived even though online it says 5 and we were going to leave) is asking a lot. I'd go back for an event but I don't think it's a keeper on my list of places in Miami to revisit or recommend to guests. read more

The Ancient Spanish Monastery - Museums Near Me - North Miami Beach, Florida

We did finally get a tour. It's absolutely beautiful, but communication was too difficult.

What a Stunning and special place to visit. Very unique in its architecture and very inspirational place. Unfortunately the reason for my visit was to potentially book it for my wedding reception. They have a woman named Carolina who is in charge of weddings and she has got to be the Rudest most obnoxious women i have ever come across. Unfortunately due to her bad attitude and lack of options for people to work with at this location, i have decided not to move forward with my wedding plan at the spanish Monestary. Its very unfortunate people like me are deterred from celebrating a special event because of 1 terrible front desk attendant. I hope the owner of the property realizes what terrible representation and customer service he has working at the front desk. read more

I can from Texas and was so excited to see this place, visiting the house of god is so exciting but these people must be working for a different god because OMG! They are so rude! We asked what the prices were and she said "do you not see the prices on the wall" and rolled her eyes ..... I have had so many bad experiences since being in Florida I genuinely regret coming here. read more

The worse experience the desk clerk was so rude. My friend and I are from Texas and when we walked in we said hi how are you, she didn't respond then we asked was there a fee to get in she looked at us and smacked her mouth then pointed above our heads to the wall and said do y'all not see the prices, at that point we were beyond the attitude. We just left and she smacked her mouth again with attitude. read more

The Ancient Spanish Monastery - Building - Museums Near Me - North Miami Beach, Florida

I stopped at the Ancient Spanish Monastery on the way back from the Keys. I absolutely loved this stop. It was a beautiful day. The museum you walk into first is well labeled and air conditioned. The bathrooms were clean and very beautiful. The walk to the monastery was peaceful and quiet. It felt like I was the only one there. The inside was absolutely amazing. I truly enjoyed my time there. It is very well taken care of and the cats were friendly and wanted love. I highly recommend stopping here if you are rolling through Miami. Wear comfy shoes, bring some water and a camera. read more

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I was married in November 2005 out in the gardens, and held my reception within the cloisters and the courtyard. My wedding had over 300 guests, and there was plenty of space for everyone! My guests loved the unique location, and my photographs came out gorgeous. As far as locations are concerned I spent about 800$ to rent the space for 5 hours, and also rented my chairs and tables from the monastery directly for an additional fee (it was the most cost effective thing to do). However, their chairs are the plastic folding kind, so you will have to rent linens to cover them. This place is great for extravagant wedding budgets, or a modest one...and despite the category you are in people will swear you spent a fortune! **Also, if you are holding your wedding ceremony outdoors and it begins to rain on the day of the ceremony they will prepare the chapel for your ceremony at no additional cost! **Also, I had about 20 kids attending my wedding, and there is a playground behind the courtyard where the kids enjoyed playing! **Also, the staff is very nice, and is willing to assist you throughout the event and your rehearsal. They also have a list of preferred wedding service companies (i.e. DJs, caterers, pastors, rabbis, etc.), but you are NOT required to use those listed. **Do not choose Suzy Q productions for your music services (they were terrible and expensive, and didn't even have my music on the day of the wedding, as the original DJ was a no-show!!)! **On a random side-note this location was the site of the insane asylum in Ace Ventura Pet Detective...weird huh? read more

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Beautiful grounds and loved seeing the old architecture & statues and learning about the ancient building & artwork. Advice: if you plan to walk in the garden, especially to see the labyrinth I suggest mosquito spray. Also bring water to hydrate! read more

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Beautiful location for pictures. Although its kinda small inside in the regards that photographers have to be careful not to include other people in the background of the images, still stunning. The option for outdoor or under shade inside images are possible is cool. It is very hot though unless of course it's "winter" the changing room has air conditioning which is great, around $150 for wedding photos there is not bad however you do have a time slot unlike vizcaya. Great place overall and very pretty! Nice to enjoy an afternoon there admiring the design and history. read more

The Ancient Spanish Monastery - Museums Near Me - North Miami Beach, Florida

Stunning place The Ancient Spanish Monastery is a must do. I loved how peaceful and tranquil; I was able to absorb the quietness of nature. The storyline of the Church is fascinating how they dismantled it and shipped it to New York, and years later it was sent to Miami, FL. Truly a learning experience in our city. Don't miss out visit. read more

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I wish I could give this place a better rating but it was lacking a lot. Some of the statues and decorations were badly placed or not that great quality. Like the framed descriptions shouldn't have been placed in the great halls or by some of the statues because it takes away from the setting and pictures. The garden needs a gardener for upkeep, even the grass has a lot of weeds. The little gift shop is the museum! Everything else is just a cathedral where they hold real services and people walk right in! Some people go everyday just to play with the stray cats or feed them. I would have given it better rating but I felt very ripped off as you can see in the photographs. They sell you very expensive tickets even if they are having an event that same day. We were "in the way" of the workers setting everything up on the grounds and cathedral for a wedding. I went with a party of 4, so it was extra expensive. They have no problem charging you for the tickets but they have a problem with you getting in the way of the workers setting up for an event. The tour is a self guided tour inside a tiny room in the front where you read some placks on the wall and walk around. People go into the cathedral for free all the time because it really is a church with service and everything. I wish I had known that. So the real museum part is only the very little room that has pictures, some old items or replicas, and the placks with info on them. It is very beautiful and I do recommend it just be wary of the events and of the prices for the little tiny museum giftshop room. read more

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Beautiful, relaxing and inspiring. There is a love story that is connected but you will have to visit and discover it yourself! read more

The Ancient Spanish Monastery - Garden & monastery, absolutely stunning! - Museums Near Me - North Miami Beach, Florida

I was very disappointed in Yelp and Google for not correctly listing the hours when I went yesterday, which was not a holiday. There were many disappointed people at the gate in the 15 minutes I was there. While the changed holiday hours apparently were on the website, people rely on Yelp and Google to have the most up-to-date information. Please do better to keep up! In any case, it is possible to see it and the grounds through the gate and one can see it's a peaceful and contemplative place. Definitely worth a visit and I hope to get back there. For everyone's information, they are closed the week between Christmas and New Year - reopening January 4. read more