Wave Hill | Bronx

Wave Hill is a 28-acre public garden and cultural center in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, New York City. It sits on a wooded slope overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades in New Jersey, offering sweeping views and an environment that blends horticulture, art, and environmental education. It is one of the city’s most peaceful and elegant green spaces.

History

Originally part of a private estate, the land has passed through several notable owners.

William Lewis Morris established the first house on the site in the mid-1800s.

Wave Hill House, built in 1843, was later leased or owned by prominent figures, including:

Theodore Roosevelt’s family (1870–71)

Mark Twain (1901–03)

Arturo Toscanini, the conductor (1942–45)

In 1960, it was donated to the City of New York by George W. Perkins Jr., who transformed it into a public garden.

Opened to the public in 1965 and is now operated by the non-profit Wave Hill Inc.

Gardens and Grounds

Wave Hill’s landscape is designed for contemplation and exploration, featuring formal gardens, meadows, woodlands, and greenhouses.

Wild Garden

A hillside garden planted in a naturalistic style.

Showcases drought-tolerant plants, grasses, and perennials.

Offers open views of the Hudson River and Palisades.

Aquatic Garden

Contains ponds and pools surrounded by lush planting.

Features water-loving plants like irises, lotuses, and papyrus.

Perennial Flower Garden

A vibrant, seasonally evolving garden.

Color and texture are carefully planned for year-round beauty.

Herb and Dry Gardens

The Herb Garden includes culinary, medicinal, and fragrant plants.

The Dry Garden showcases drought-tolerant species from arid climates.

Alpine House

A small glasshouse with plants from alpine and desert regions.

Includes succulents, cacti, and unique miniature species.

Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory

Divided into multiple rooms: tropical, palm, and succulent environments.

Houses exotic species not suitable for the outdoor climate.

Woodland

Known as the Abrons Woodland, it includes native trees like oaks, maples, and hickories.

Features trails that meander through native forest and provide habitat for birds and small mammals.

Pergola Overlook

A vine-covered stone structure at the edge of the garden.

One of the most photographed spots at Wave Hill due to its scenic vistas.

Historic Buildings

Wave Hill House

The main mansion, originally built in 1843.

Now houses the Café, gathering spaces, and occasionally hosts cultural events.

Glyndor House

Rebuilt in 1927 after a fire, today it functions as Glyndor Gallery.

The gallery presents rotating contemporary art exhibitions, focusing on nature and the environment.

Perkins Visitor Center

Provides visitor services, a garden shop, and information.

Offers books, gifts, and garden tools with a focus on botanical and local themes.

Arts and Culture

Wave Hill incorporates art into its mission:

Glyndor Gallery exhibitions explore the relationship between nature, society, and the individual.

Family Art Project: Weekend workshops for children and families with nature-inspired creative activities.

Winter Workspace Residency: Offers artists studio space in off-season months, allowing them to create and engage with the public.

Regular performances, lectures, readings, and artist talks take place throughout the year.

Education and Ecology

Wave Hill provides hands-on education for all ages:

School programs for students in NYC schools, emphasizing ecology, plant biology, and environmental science.

Adult classes in gardening, botanical drawing, and sustainable practices.

Public programs like garden walks, birding tours, and ecological workshops.

Café and Dining

Located inside Wave Hill House, the Café offers light meals and beverages.

The menu changes seasonally and includes local ingredients.

Indoor and outdoor seating available with river views.

Practical Information

Location: 4900 Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471

Open: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM (closed Mondays)

Admission:

Adults: $10

Seniors and students: $6

Children (6–18): $4

Under 6: Free

Free admission on Thursdays

Parking: Onsite parking available (fee); shuttle services from subway or Metro-North stations on weekends.

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible areas, though some woodland paths are steep or uneven.

How to Get There

Subway: #1 train to 242nd Street, then walk or take a free shuttle (weekends only).

Metro-North: Hudson Line to Riverdale Station, with shuttle service to the garden on weekends.

Bus: Bx7 or Bx10 to 252nd Street and Independence Avenue.

Wave Hill is a quiet, beautifully maintained retreat from city life—offering a unique mix of botanical beauty, artistic expression, and environmental education. It is especially popular in spring and fall but offers something in every season.