Located a little over one mile west of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, Sailors’ Snug Harbor is one of Staten Island’s most accessible and most overlooked cultural treasures.
Source: Wikipedia
Snug Harbor, officially Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, was founded in 1801 in Manhattan, through the bequest of Captain Sir Robert Richard Randall. In 1833, it moved to Staten Island and became the first home for retired merchant seamen in the United States.
Today, Snug Harbor consists of 28 historic buildings including the former Governor’s Mansion, Veteran’s Memorial Hall, and the Music Hall, the second oldest theater in New York City. Additionally, the Staten Island Museum, with a collection that ranges from works of art and historical objects to one of the largest collections of cicadas, is moving to its new home in Snug Harbor.
New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden | Source: Snug Harbor
Also located at Snug Harbor is the Staten Island Botanical Garden. Its multiple sections include the formal Italian garden, heritage farm, a compost project, a secret garden, and a stunning European allée. The Garden is free to enter, except for the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, one of the Garden’s main draws. The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden was created in the late 1990s and was modeled after a Ming Dynasty scholar’s garden in Suzhou. The Garden’s elements “reflect the harmony and balance of the yin and yang through the use of four elements: rocks, water, plantings, and architecture.” It is well worth a visit on its own.
Veteran’s Hall Snug Harbor | Source: Wikipedia
Snug Harbor has events throughout the year. When planning your visit, make sure to check out their public programming, performing arts events, and the Neptune Ball.
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