The site contains the oldest original-growth forest in New York City, which escaped development during the 19th century.
The Steere Herbarium, located on-site, is one of the largest plant research collections in the world.
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is a rare survivor of the era of grand American glasshouses, originally opened in 1902.
The garden maintains a dedicated program for the study of ethnobotany, the interaction between plants and people.
The grounds serve as a living laboratory for DNA barcoding to identify plant species.
The New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre living museum and National Historic Landmark located in the Bronx. It houses the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a Victorian-style glasshouse that serves as the centerpiece for rotating seasonal exhibitions. The grounds include 50 distinct gardens and plant collections, featuring over one million living plants. A central feature is the Thain Family Forest, a 50-acre original remnant of the forest that once covered New York City. The garden operates as a center for plant research, education, and botanical science. It holds significant collections, including the Steere Herbarium, which contains over seven million specimens. The grounds are integrated with the Bronx River, which flows through the eastern portion of the property. Visitors navigate the site via extensive walking paths through diverse ecosystems ranging from rock gardens to wetlands.
The interior of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory during a major seasonal exhibition.
Wear comfortable, broken-in walking shoes as the grounds are expansive and feature uneven woodland trails.
Check the digital garden map before arrival to prioritize specific collections, as seeing the entire 250 acres in a single visit is challenging.
Bring a refillable water bottle, as the site has limited options for quick hydration in the remote sections of the forest.
Do not attempt to see every single garden in one day, as the physical fatigue from walking 250 acres often detracts from the experience; focus on 3-4 specific zones.
The garden is closed on Mondays and certain major holidays; check for seasonal exhibition transitions.
Stay on marked paths to protect delicate plant beds; climbing on trees or picking flowers is strictly prohibited.
