The New York Botanical Garden reopens to the public on July 28, after a week of FREE priority access for Bronx health care workers, Bronx school children and annual members.
The reopening is for the 250-acres of outdoor gardens, including walking trails, with new timed entry for social distancing, and wearing face masks is required.
The New York Botanical Garden is among the most comprehensive botanical gardens in the world, truly an urban oasis and an integral part of the NYC cultural fabric, anchored in the Bronx.
The verdant landscape currently features a trove of vibrant daylilies, hydrangeas, water lilies and lotuses among its one million plants.
Walking paths and trails crisscross the NYBG with opportunities for discovery through encounters with nature.
The reopened gardens, outdoor collections, and natural features include:
The Native Plant Garden, with its meadow, woodland, promenade, and centerpiece water feature;
The Bronx River, with its waterfall, which runs through the 50-acre Thain Family Forest;
The layered and colorful patterns and plant groupings of the Perennial and Herb Gardens;
The lushly shaded Chilton Azalea Garden; award-winning Rockefeller Rose Garden;
The tropical and aquatic plant-filled Conservatory Courtyards and Pools;
The inviting paths through the Ross Conifer Arboretum; Benenson Ornamental Conifers; Burn Family Lilac Collection;
![Kusama show at NYBG]()
Remaining Closed at NYBG
Tram Tours, public programs, and group tours are suspended temporarily as a safety precaution.
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, LuEsther T. Mertz Library, Edible Academy, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, and Hudson Garden Grill remain closed.
The eagerly awaited exhibit by internationally renowned artist Yayao Kusama at the New York Botanical Garden has been postponed for one year, until Spring 2021.
KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature with sculptures, paintings, and one of her famous Infinity Rooms, was to have opened on May 9, 2020 and tickets had been been selling briskly.
NYBG Appreciation Week
Communities in the Bronx are among the most severely impacted by COVID-19 in New York City.
The public reopening on Tuesday, July 28 follows Appreciation Week July 21‒26, when NYBG will welcome Garden Members; Bronx health care heroes from the eight public and private hospitals in the borough, along with Bronx Neighbors with first access and complimentary tickets.
Through its Appreciation Week initiative, the Garden seeks to acknowledge, with gratitude, the dedication, strength, and resilience of Bronx frontline health care workers and residents.
Complimentary admission for those groups will continue through September 13.
See Also
NYC High Line Reopens
Governors Island Reopens
New Rules for visiting NYBG
NYBG reopens in accordance with NYC and NY State Phase Four rules and CDC guidelines. That includes:
The reopening incorporates enhanced safety measures based on best practices and guidance from health authorities and government agencies.
New measures include requiring staff and visitors over the age of two to wear face coverings; increasing sanitization of public and staff areas; daily health screenings for on-site staff; supporting social distancing practices; requiring timed-entry tickets purchased in advance; operating at a reduced capacity; and more.
The new, limited timed-entry ticketing system will stagger visitors’ arrivals, promote social distancing, and mitigate the risk of crowding in high-traffic areas.
Advance purchase of timed tickets is required and will be confirmed by e-mail with the option to print or download a mobile ticket.
Visitors who do not purchase advance tickets will not be guaranteed admission at this time. Garden Patrons and Members must also reserve timed tickets in advance.
For more information, visit nybg.org.
To further facilitate social distancing, visitors will find new wayfinding signage and pavement markings at admissions points and where queuing is necessary.
Some pathways will be designated for one-way foot traffic to help avoid congestion.
New hand sanitizer stations on the grounds and touchless restroom appliances will be available. There is ample parking on-site and in NYBG’s Parking Garage, just steps away from the Mosholu Entrance.
Other visitor amenities include:
- Pine Tree Café (10 a.m.–6 p.m.; limited menu and outdoor seating),
- Hudson Garden Grill Terrace (12–5 p.m.; snacks and refreshments, including water, beer, and wine,
- Pine Tree Café Pop-up at the Rose Garden (11 a.m.–4 p.m.; snacks and refreshments, including water, beer, and wine,
- Clay Family Picnic Pavilions
- “My Day at the Garden” kids and family activity guide,
- Self-guided audio tours, which are available by cell phone
- NYBG Shop (per social distancing protocols).
The reopening plan is subject to change based on government guidance and in response to altered circumstances. Subsequent phases of the Garden’s reopening will be announced at a future date online at nybg.org and via the Garden’s social media channels.
About New York Botanical Garden
NYBG is located on property owned in full by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
A portion of the Garden’s general operating funds is provided by The New York City Council and The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
The Bronx Borough President and Bronx elected representatives in the City Council and State Legislature provide leadership funding.
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is a museum of plants located at Bronx River Parkway (Exit 7W) and Fordham Road. It is easy to reach by Metro-North Railroad or subway. For more information, please call 718.817.8700 or visit nybg.org.
The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10458
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.