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HomeEventGovernors Island Reopens to the Public on May 1, 2021

Governors Island Reopens to the Public on May 1, 2021

Mayor de Blasio, Trust for Governors Island Announce Governors Island to Reopen on May 1st

Brooklyn ferries will serve two locations for the first time at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 and Red Hook’s Atlantic Basin on weekends

City to offer free ferry rides for residents of NYCHA, seniors, children, IDNYC holders, current and former military personnel and community organizations

NEW YORK—Mayor de Blasio and The Trust for Governors Island (The Trust) today announced the seasonal reopening of Governors Island on May 1st, 2021. Governors Island will return to its pre-pandemic season calendar, open to visitors every day from May 1st  through October 31th. In addition to daily Manhattan ferry service, for the first time Governors Island ferries will serve two Brooklyn locations for weekend service at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook, allowing easy access to the Island for a wider range of Brooklyn residents than ever before.

New Yorkers can visit the island to enjoy open space and car-free natural surroundings, unmatched views of New York Harbor and surrounding skylines, historic settings, dozens of free public art exhibitions, cultural programs and activities, and diverse selection of food and beverage vendors.

“Governors Island is one of New York City’s crown jewels. It’s the kind of beautiful, open public space that we will rely on to drive our recovery this spring and summer,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I’m grateful to the Trust for making the Island more accessible than ever this year, and the return of their full season will give more New Yorkers than ever a chance to enjoy everything the island has to offer.”

“We are thrilled to be able to open Governors Island for its full, six-month public season again this year, and with more access from Brooklyn than ever before,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “As the City reopens, Governors Island will provide an affordable destination for New Yorkers to enjoy open space, arts and culture, and everything that makes it such a remarkable place. One of the Trust’s main goals is to provide equitable access to the Island, and we’re proud to continue to deliver on that mission this year. We can’t wait to see everyone on the ferry.”

VISITOR INFORMATION & FERRIES

Governors Island will be open daily between May 1st – October 31st from 10 AM – 6 PM on weekdays and 10 AM -7 PM on weekends and holiday Mondays including Memorial Day, July 5, Labor Day, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Governors Island ferries will run daily between the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan and Soissons Landing on the Island.

For the first time, Governors Island ferries will serve two Brooklyn locations this year: Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook. These routes will run directly to Governors Island from each location every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday all season long.

Visitors must reserve ferry tickets in advance of their trip to Governors Island, and face coverings are required. Tickets will be available soon through an online reservation system at www.govisland.org. Round-trip ferry tickets will cost $3 for adults. Governors Island ferries are always free for children 12 and under, seniors 65 and up, residents of NYCHA, IDNYC holders, current and former military servicemembers and Governors Island members. Ferries before noon on Saturdays and Sundays are free for all. There is no surcharge for bicycles or strollers at any time. The Trust will also offer waived fares for non-profit community-based organizations, youth camps, and senior centers throughout New York City. To inquire about group visits, organizations may email [email protected].

NYC Ferry will offer additional connections to Governors Island’s Yankee Pier via a dedicated weekend shuttle from Wall Street/Pier 11. Ticketing information and full schedules will be available soon at www.ferry.nyc.

The Island’s food and beverage vendors will return on May 1st. For a full list of vendors, please visit govisland.org/visit-the-island/food.

OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION

Visitors can enjoy Governors Island’s over 120 acres of award-winning open space. The Island’s park offers rolling lawns and plenty of room for New Yorkers to spread out for picnicking and recreation, including over 7 miles of car-free bike paths. Hammock Grove’s 40+ public hammocks nestled into the foliage provide a relaxing retreat. The Hills feature unparalleled views of the Harbor and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty as well as the surrounding Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.

Activities, including bike rentals with Blazing Saddles and CitiBike, visits to the Governors Island National Monument, self-guided history tours, free kayaking, grill reservations and more will be available for visitors beginning May 1. More information on activities can be found at govisland.org/things-to-do.

ARTS, CULTURE AND EDUCATION

Ongoing Arts, Culture and Science Programs

Over two dozen arts, culture and education organizations will utilize space inside the historic houses of Nolan Park and Colonels Row this year to present a robust slate of ongoing free public programs, host artist residencies, engage visitors in special activities for all ages, and more. Ongoing public programs will include indoor and outdoor exhibitions, installations and interactive exhibits. The Urban Farm, home to GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden and Earth Matter NY’s Compost Learning Center and Soil Start Farm will also be open weekends from 12-4pm. Participating organizations are listed at govisland.org/things-to-do and programming schedules will be available soon.

Public Art Commissions and Installations

Public art installations including Rachel Whiteread’s Cabin and Mark Handforth’s Yankee Hanger will remain on view, as will Shantell Martin’s The May Room. The Trust will announce new commissioned public art installations and projects to debut on the Island in 2021 throughout the season.

LMCC’s Arts Center at Governors Island

Curated and programmed by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), the Arts Center at Governors Island will reopen to the public June 12 through October 31 with two large-scale, site-specific solo exhibitions; a participatory sculpture; and the return of the Take Care public programs series. Appropriate COVID-19 health protocols will be in place for visitors entering the Arts Center, with exhibitions and presentations free and open to all. More details about the 2021 season at the Arts Center will be announced soon on LMCC’s website, www.LMCC.net.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Governors Island will host a limited calendar of socially distanced outdoor events in 2021. Dates and more details on these and other special events will be available at govisland.org as they are announced over the coming weeks and months. All events will adhere to the latest local, state and federal health and safety guidelines.

About the Trust for Governors Island

The Trust for Governors Island is the non-profit corporation created by the City of New York that is responsible for the redevelopment and operation of 150 acres of Governors Island. The Trust’s mission is to realize the full potential of Governors Island for the inspiration and enjoyment of all New Yorkers, demonstrating a bold vision for public space. For more information, visit www.govisland.org.

About Governors Island National Monument

The National Park Service manages Governors Island National Monument, which consists of twenty-two acres, including the historic fortifications Castle Williams and Fort Jay. The Monument is one of twenty-two sites operated by the National Park Service in the New York City area. Its purpose is to preserve and protect Castle Williams and Fort Jay, and to interpret them and the harbor’s rich history and ecology for the public. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/gois.

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