New York Botanical Garden

Overview

The New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre National Historic Landmark in the Bronx, featuring 50 specialty gardens, a 50-acre old-growth forest, and the stunning Enid A. Haupt Conservatory — a massive Victorian-era glass greenhouse.

Highlights

• Haupt Conservatory: An 1891 iron-and-glass conservatory modeled after the Palm House at Kew Gardens, housing tropical rainforest, desert, and aquatic plant environments.
• The Thain Family Forest: 50 acres of original, never-logged native forest — the largest remaining tract of New York's original woodland.
• Seasonal Shows: Major exhibitions include the Holiday Train Show (miniature NYC landmarks) and the Orchid Show.

History

Founded in 1891 and inspired by the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, the NYBG was established on land that includes the Bronx River gorge. The Conservatory was modeled after Kew's Palm House and completed in 1902.

Visitor Tips

• Combine With: The Bronx Zoo is immediately adjacent — a combined visit makes for a full day in the Bronx.
• Tram: A narrated tram (included with admission) circulates through the grounds and is useful for covering distances.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.