Wave Hill

Minutes from Manhattan, in the Northwest corner of the Bronx, lies a place that investigates connections between nature and art. Wave Hill is a twenty-eight acre public garden and cultural center that provides serene escape from the activities of city life.

Robert Irwin, Wave Hill Wood, one of eight granite markers placed at Wave Hill, 1987.

In 1960, Wave Hill was gifted to the City of New York by the Perkins-Freeman family. Before that, the estate served as private residences dating back to 1843. The grounds have had several notable guests during that time period including a young Teddy Roosevelt, Mark Twain and Arturo Toscanini.

The indoor and outdoor gardens delight in the bountiful variety of plant species and fascinating environments. The conservatory is loaded with vibrant plants from all over the world originating in environments ranging from the tropical rainforest through the arid dessert.

The outdoor gardens are beautiful in all seasons but Spring is approaching and abundant signs of change run through the Wild Garden and Woodland trails. You needn’t be an expert in plant life to enjoy the natural wonders. Should you choose to learn more, the talented staff of horticulturalists and volunteers will not shy from offering a wealth of knowledge.

The grounds twist into beautiful spaces that invite visitors to rest and take in the charming architecture and ever changing collaboration between humans and nature.

Forgetting how close you are to Manhattan happens instantly upon entering this magical place. However, at any time, you can step out onto the vast lawn and get a great view of the George Washington Bridge.

Tomorrow I will be taking you inside the Glyndor House on the grounds of Wave Hill to introduce you to an art program that has become a great source of pride in the Bronx community.

Special thanks to Martha Gellens for taking time to show us around. Please click through to see the rest of the highlights of our tour.

Wave Hill
Bronx, NY

Photographs: Scott Lickstein.