Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
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Snug Harbour, Staten Island - by Rouslan Valonen on Google
Description
Snug Harbor was founded in 1833 as a retirement home for sailors on the northern shore of Staten Island, along New York Harbour. There are 26 buildings designed in various architectural styles such as Beaux Arts, Victorian or Greek Revival - some of those are now used by various cultural organizations. The complex also comprises the Staten Island Botanical Garden which contains a castle, a maze and the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden in the style of the famous Suzhou gardens. Note that the scope of this review does not include the Staten Island Children's Museum and the Staten Island Museum.
Access & Transport
Take the free ferry service from Staten Island terminal next to Battery Pak at the southern tip of Manhattan, next to the South Ferry underground station (1). Once on the island, take the S40 bus at Gate D and let the bus driver know that you want to get off at Snug Harbor. Info on accessibility: https://snug-harbor.org/accessibility/
Instructions & Recommendations
The main outdoor grounds and gardens are free of charge to the public. The following venue have a $5/$4 admission fee: the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden and the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art.
Environmental & Social
Green activity. Helps preserve the city's architectural heritage
Conclusion
Snug Harbour blends outdoors / nature and historical aspects and makes for an excellent half-day out option, away from the concrete and traffic of New York's other Boroughs. Not one for a first-time visitors to NYC but recommended for residents and return travellers.
Key positive
Charming 19th century buildings
Free ferry service and admission
Key negative
Time consuming to get to
No stand-out sight (except perhaps the Chinese Garden)
Suitability
Mostly accessible except some paths in the Chinese Garden
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in October 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo