New York · Est. 1891
New York Botanical Garden
A living museum of plants, a center for learning, and a global leader in plant science and conservation.
Founded
1891
Size
250 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 7b
Best Season
Spring
About New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is a botanical garden located in Bronx Park, New York City. Established in 1891, it spans 250 acres and is home to over one million living plants, including the iconic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and the ancient Thain Family Forest. Annually, over a million visitors explore its diverse collections and engage with its educational programs focused on plant science, ecology, and healthful living.
History & Heritage
The vision for a botanical garden in New York City emerged as early as 1877, gaining momentum by 1888 through the advocacy of the Torrey Botanical Society, led by botanist Nathaniel Lord Britton and his wife Elizabeth Gertrude Britton. The New York Botanical Garden was officially established on April 28, 1891, by an act of the New York State Legislature. Significant financial backing from prominent figures like Cornelius Vanderbilt II, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan facilitated its early development. The LuEsther T. Mertz Library and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, key early structures, were completed in 1900 and 1902, respectively.
Signature Feature
Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is a magnificent Victorian-era greenhouse, designed by Lord & Burnham Co. and completed in 1902. This architectural marvel houses diverse habitats, from tropical rainforests to deserts, showcasing a wide array of plant collections under its iconic glass domes, making it a central and visually stunning feature of the garden.
Photo Gallery
Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Thain Family Forest
Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden
Notable Collections
Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
A Victorian-era greenhouse housing diverse habitats and plant collections.
Thain Family Forest
A 50-acre old-growth forest, the largest remnant of the original forest that once covered New York City.
Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden
A meticulously designed rose garden, originally laid out by Beatrix Jones Farrand in 1916, featuring thousands of roses.
Rock Garden
An alpine rock garden, designed and installed by Thomas H. Everett in the 1930s, showcasing plants from mountainous regions.
Recognition & Awards
- National Historic Landmark (1967)
- U.S. National Register of Historic Places (1967)
Editorial Standards
This profile was researched and written by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial team, which includes certified Master Gardeners and horticultural writers with field experience across the United States. All admission prices, hours, and garden details are verified against official garden websites and updated May 2025. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
Spring (cherry blossoms, daffodils), Summer (roses, perennial garden), Fall (Thain Family Forest foliage), Winter (Holiday Train Show, Conservatory exhibits).
Address
2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458-5126
Phone
718.817.8700
Hours
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; select Monday holidays.
Admission
All-Garden Pass: Weekday Adult $35, Senior/Student $31, Child $15. Weekend Adult $39, Senior/Student $35, Child $17. NYC Resident Grounds Access Pass: Adults $15, Students/Seniors $7, Children $4.
Insider Tips
- 1Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your visit and potentially save time.
- 2Wear comfortable shoes, as the garden spans 250 acres and involves considerable walking.
- 3Utilize the tram tour for a comprehensive overview of the garden's expansive grounds and key collections.
- 4Check the NYBG website for current exhibitions and events to enhance your visit experience.
Nearby Attractions
- Bronx Zoo (approx. 1 mile)
- Fordham University (adjacent)
- Edgar Allan Poe Cottage (approx. 2 miles)