In the Name of Conservation
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) values conservation and provides fundamental research that helps conduct policy and decisions dictated by local, national and international level. NYBG’s very own scientists are currently working on 250 international collaborations with 168 institutions in 49 countries. With an open mind, guests to the gardens can be a part of this extraordinary scientific process in real time.
One Million Plants!
With over 50 gardens, collections and exhibits, NYBG are home to over one million species of plants. Since the late 1800’s, NYBG has been cultivating new and creative gardens that have brought more expansive and incredible gardens to life than ever before. Today, the 250-acre Garden—the largest in any city in the United States—is a National Historic Landmark.
Kusama: Cosmic Nature
Until October 31, 2021, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s installations, paintings and sculptures will be on display throughout the gardens, including both popular past creations and new pieces. One of these stunning works is Dancing Pumpkin (2020), a 16-foot polka-dotted sculpture. The gardens will also contain colorful displays to complement the artist’s pieces. Often, Kusama’s inspiration comes from her childhood, as her family owned a plant nursery. Get your tickets online and get them early, as it is expected to sell out quickly.
Along with the exhibition, the Kids Get Cosmic! Program will include a Nature Scavenger Hunt and the opportunity to hear a reading of Yayoi Kusama: From Here to Infinity to get kids engaged with the art. Click here for more details.
Virtual Walks
Take a virtual tour of through beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens. Take a walk through the tulips and spring’s arrival by watching short videos of the vivid colors of nature at the New York Botanical Garden. Visit New York Botanical Garden’s website to explore nature and its exquisite colors from home.
“Taking nothing away from Central Park, none is quite as breathtaking as the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.”
—David Hinckley, NY Daily News
A Top Pick from Don Wildman
“The New York Botanical Garden is a Bronx classic. Calvert Vaux and the Olmsteds—the designers who created Central Park—laid out this verdant, 250-acre landscape 125-years ago on behalf of botanist Nathaniel Lord Britton, who believed New York should have its own version of London’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Indeed, the grandeur and elegance of the buildings and esplanades transport you to a more graceful era. But walk in the old-growth forest, a last vestige of virgin east coast woodland, to experience what the wilderness was like before Gotham was born.”
Click here for more of Don Wildman’s top museum picks across New York State.
Take Amtrak to New York Botanical Garden
Experience the New York Botanical Garden via Amtrak to Penn Station in New York City—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!
From 34th Street-Penn Station, take the 1, 2, or 3 subway lines uptown to 42nd Street-Times Square and transfer to the S train toward Grand Central. From Grand Central Station, take the Harlem line to the Botanical Garden Station.
Or, from 34th Street-Penn Station, take the A subway line uptown toward Inwood-207th Street. At 125th Street Station, transfer to the D line going uptown toward Norwood-205th Street Station to Bedford Park Boulevard Station. From Bedford Park Boulevard Station, walk southeast along Bedford Park Boulevard to the New York Botanical Garden (13-minute walk).
Where to Stay in NYC
Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all New York City has to offer. Take a look at these great hotel options—some offering exclusive New York By Rail discounts!
