Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Photos: The New York Botanical Garden — A Lush, Social-Distancing Paradise — Reopens
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 11, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 41
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 11, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The New York Botanical Garden has officially reopened, adding lush acreage to the city's outdoor spaces during a critical time when New Yorkers are feeling cooped up from months of isolation during the pandemic. The Botanical Garden’s phased reopening plan comes with new safety protocols that we're all used to at this point — these include social distancing, wearing masks, hand sanitizer stations, and a time ticketing process.
Even with all of that, the main paths can get crowded at times, according to photographer Sai Mokhtari, who visited the garden on Sunday. "It was pretty easy to find a quiet spot to chill but the main paths definitely got crowded... pretty much everyone was wearing a mask though." And most paths have been designated as one-way, to help with distancing. Additionally, not all areas are open yet, and you won't be able to take a tram tour.
Otherwise, the Native Plant Garden "with its meadow, woodland, promenade and centerpiece water feature"; the Bronx River and its waterfall, which runs through the 50-acre Thain Family Forest; and gardens galore are beckoning you to bask in sweet, sweet nature. You will be able to get refreshments at the Pine Tree Cafe and Hudson Garden Grill Terrace.
The public reopening will also celebrate Bronx health care workers from the eight public and private hospitals in the borough, as well as the Bronx Neighbors group. Anyone wishing to attend from those groups will receive complimentary admission through September 13th. For everyone else, tickets range from free (members, and under 2 years old) to $22 (non-member adults). If you drive, expect to shell out $20 for a parking spot.
The NYBG is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx; more details at nybg.org
Tagged
new york botanical garden
nybg
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 23, 2026
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
By
Hannah Frishberg
A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history
By
Sonia Rao
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .