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New York · Est. 1891
New York Botanical Garden
250 acres in the Bronx — the garden that Carnegie and Vanderbilt built
Founded
1891
Size
250 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 7b
Best Season
Spring
About New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden occupies 250 acres in Bronx Park — a fact that still surprises first-time visitors who arrive expecting something modest and find a National Historic Landmark with a 50-acre old-growth forest that predates European settlement. Established in 1891 with backing from Cornelius Vanderbilt II, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan, the NYBG holds over one million living plants, runs one of the world's leading plant science research programs, and publishes Flora Neotropica — the definitive botanical survey of South American plants. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a Victorian-era glass palace completed in 1902, houses everything from Amazonian rainforest to Sonoran desert under 11 interconnected glass domes.
History & Heritage
The vision for a botanical garden in New York City gained momentum in 1888 through the Torrey Botanical Society, led by botanist Nathaniel Lord Britton and his wife Elizabeth Gertrude Britton, who had been inspired by a visit to Kew Gardens. The NYBG was officially established on April 28, 1891, by an act of the New York State Legislature. Cornelius Vanderbilt II, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan provided early financial backing. The LuEsther T. Mertz Library was completed in 1900; the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory followed in 1902. The garden was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967.
Signature Feature
Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is a Victorian-era glass palace designed by Lord & Burnham Co. and completed in 1902. Its 11 interconnected glass domes house habitats ranging from Amazonian rainforest to Sonoran desert — a climatic journey of roughly 3,000 miles compressed into a single building. The conservatory is a National Historic Landmark in its own right. The annual Holiday Train Show, held inside the conservatory each winter since 1992, features scale-model trains running through miniature replicas of New York landmarks built from plant materials. It is one of the most beloved seasonal events in New York City.
Bloom-planning note
Best Time to See Blooms at New York Botanical Garden
The strongest overall display is typically Spring (cherry blossoms, daffodils), Summer (roses, perennial garden), Fall (Thain Family Forest foliage), Winter (Holiday Train Show, Conservatory exhibits).. That window combines the garden's major collections with the regional sequence of flowering trees, bulbs, perennials, and seasonal color.
In the broader Northeast & New England season, expect a defined but vivid warm-season arc: bulbs and flowering trees in spring, perennial abundance in summer, then notable foliage in autumn.
Timing changes with weather, elevation, and individual collection conditions. Confirm bloom progress directly with the garden before planning a special visit.
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.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; select Monday holidays.
Best seasonal window: Spring (cherry blossoms, daffodils), Summer (roses, perennial garden), Fall (Thain Family Forest foliage), Winter (Holiday Train Show, Conservatory exhibits).
Parking & Arrival
Onsite visitor parking is available for $22 per vehicle. Members may park for free with a valid Member Pass, or for $11 when not redeeming a pass. Supporting Members and above park for free.
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
NYBG strives for accessibility in its buildings and tour vehicles. However, due to the garden's varied topography, some historic landscape portions may be inaccessible. Wheelchairs and scooters are available for rent.
Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.
Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.
Recognition & Awards
- National Historic Landmark (1967)
- U.S. National Register of Historic Places (1967)
Editorial Standards
This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. 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.
Parking
Onsite visitor parking is available for $22 per vehicle. Members may park for free with a valid Member Pass, or for $11 when not redeeming a pass. Supporting Members and above park for free.
Accessibility
NYBG strives for accessibility in its buildings and tour vehicles. However, due to the garden's varied topography, some historic landscape portions may be inaccessible. Wheelchairs and scooters are available for rent.
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)
Stays near New York Botanical Garden
For an overnight visit, compare options around the garden address and choose the route, accessibility features, and cancellation terms that fit your plans.