Staten Island Museum | Staten Island

Staten Island Museum — Detailed Overview

Location:
1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Staten Island, New York 10301

General Information

The Staten Island Museum is the oldest cultural institution on Staten Island, founded in 1881. It is often described as a “mini-Smithsonian” because it offers a unique combination of art, natural science, and local history all under one roof. The museum is located within the historic Snug Harbor Cultural Center, a former retirement home for sailors dating back to the 19th century.

Collections

The museum’s collections are extensive and diverse, spanning three main categories:

Natural Science:
The museum holds over 500,000 specimens. These include fossils, bird nests, shells, insects, minerals, and taxidermy specimens. This collection provides insight into the natural history and ecology of Staten Island and beyond.

Art:
The art collection ranges from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art by local and regional artists. It includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum frequently hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing a variety of art styles and periods.

History and Archives:
The museum maintains a rich archive of documents, maps, photographs, and artifacts that chronicle the cultural and social history of Staten Island from its earliest days to the present. This includes items related to indigenous peoples, colonial history, and Staten Island’s development as part of New York City.

Exhibitions

The Staten Island Museum hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions, some of which include:

Life-Size Mastodon Replica:
Visitors are greeted by a large model of a mastodon, illustrating prehistoric life in the region.

Staten Island Scene/Seen:
An exhibition that explores Staten Island’s history and culture through the lens of art and photography.

Contemporary Art and Historical Displays:
The museum continuously updates its exhibitions to include modern artworks alongside historical artifacts, offering a broad cultural perspective.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The museum provides a variety of educational opportunities for visitors of all ages:

Workshops and lectures on natural science, history, and art.

Programs for school groups that tie into New York State educational standards.

Public events such as art openings, talks by historians and scientists, and family-friendly activities.

Plans for a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) Education Center in Building B, aimed at enhancing interactive learning experiences. This center will feature exhibits on Lenape culture, local ecology, geology, weather, and other scientific topics.

Visitor Information

Hours:
Wednesday through Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The last admission is usually 15 minutes before closing.

Admission Fees:

Adults: $8.00

Seniors and Students: $5.00

Children (ages 2–12): $2.00

Children under 2: Free

Members, caregivers of visitors with disabilities, and veterans may enter free of charge.

Accessibility:
The museum is wheelchair accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Getting There

By Public Transportation:
From the Staten Island Ferry terminal, take the S40 or S44 bus to the Snug Harbor stop.

By Car:
Visitors can enter Snug Harbor through the west gate on Snug Harbor Road. Parking is available in lots P3 and P4 near the museum.

Additional Notes

The Staten Island Museum is part of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden complex, which offers beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and other cultural institutions, making it a rich destination for a full day of exploration.

The museum also plays an important role in preserving and sharing the natural and cultural heritage of Staten Island, serving as a vital educational and community resource.