New York Chinese Scholar's Garden, Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
About the Business
Welcome to the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, a serene oasis nestled in Staten Island, New York. Located at 1000 Richmond Terrace, this exquisite park and tourist attraction is one of only two authentic classical Chinese gardens in the United States. Modeled after the elegant gardens of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), the NYCSG is a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and nature that transports visitors to ancient China.
Every architectural element of the NYCSG was meticulously crafted in Suzhou, China, using traditional techniques that eschew nails and glue, relying instead on the intricate mortise-and-tenon system. The garden is a tapestry of stunning landscapes, including towering scholar’s rocks, tranquil waterfalls, and a koi-filled pond, all woven together by zigzagging paths that offer ever-changing views and were believed by Chinese philosophers to ward off evil spirits.
Explore the garden’s eight pavilions, a bamboo forest path, and marvel at the mosaic art on the upper pavilion, which symbolizes harmony between China and America. This unique feature incorporates broken rice bowls and beer bottles, representing the two nations' unity.
The NYCSG is a testament to international collaboration, brought to life by a dedicated team of 40 Chinese artists and craftspeople and supported by the City of New York, local communities, and hundreds of volunteers. Since its opening in 1999, it has stood as a cultural bridge and a testament to the artistry and philosophy of Chinese gardening.
Plan your visit beginning April 14, 2024, and enjoy the garden during the following hours: Wednesday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Special bonus open days include Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Please note that the garden will have a delayed opening on June 9, 2024, opening at 4:00 PM.
Staten Island residents can enjoy free admission on the first Friday of each month with proof of residency. We invite you to join the Friends of the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, supporting its preservation with an annual donation to ensure its beauty and cultural significance endure.
Visit the NYCSG and immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and inspiration. For group tours or class trips, please contact Snug Harbor Education for more information. We look forward to welcoming you to this local treasure, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the generous contributions of our community.
Photos
Location & Phone number
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, New York 10301, United States
Hours open
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
12:00 - 21:00
Thursday:
12:00 - 21:00
Friday:
12:00 - 21:00
Saturday:
11:00 - 19:00
Sunday:
11:00 - 19:00
Reviews
"This is an absolutely beautiful garden. The architecture of the buildings and the plants really makes you feel like you are in China. The little ponds they have there even have Koi fish. There are so many things to see and many great places to take pictures. Walking around everything took about an hour. This is completely worth the $5 (4 for students) price tag."
"What a gem of a place! The Chinese Scholar's Garden at Snug Harbor is a truly special place. As one of two authentic Chinese gardens in the U.S. built by 40 Chinese artisans from Suzhou, China this place is definitely worth a visit. Our tour guide did a phenomenal job explaining the history and significance of the space. It was enchanting being surrounded by such beautiful architecture and greenery. The details are so wonderful, you can tell that this project was a labor of love filled with intentionality and mindfulness. The space is very relaxing, perfect for contemplation or reading a good book. I love how it invites you to sit almost anywhere and to gaze upon various structures, my favorite being the ornamental rocks that were brought from China. If this is your first time visiting, I highly recommend you schedule a tour. It's worth the knowledge of knowing the traditional features of a Chinese garden, as well as the story of how much work and intentionality went into developing and building it. I purchased tickets online, and was checked in at the Visitor Center. Our tour guide met us at the center. There are no bathrooms inside of the Chinese Scholar's Garden so I recommend going to the restroom in the Snug Harbor garden area before your tour. The tour took 1 hour total, and we got to spend as much time as we wanted in the garden at the end of it."
"Very nice experience! The garden is beautifully kept- highly recommend visiting"
"It's worth visiting with 5 dollars per ticket. It's a smaller version of an old Chinese residential house with a beautiful garden. Feels like traveling back to china. Hopefully, they will get more funding to fix up this place."
"We bought the ticket $5 online earlier, Beautiful place for capturing amazing pictures and peaceful atmosphere with ancient Chinese architecture and their culture reflecting on everything there including plants ✨ l’ll recommend to visit atleast once ☺️ Pics clicked by “Tamlense Studio” (Newjersy)"
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