If you’re in New York for the Fourth of July fireworks display, Battery Park is a great place to watch them from
Battery Park skirts the southern edge of Manhattan, offering a rare oasis of open, green space in the otherwise crowded area. It was here that the Dutch first settled in 1623, establishing a battery of cannons to defend their fledgling settlement of New Amsterdam. The name of the city may have changed, but not that of the park — though sadly the cannons are no more.
To this day Battery Park remains a point of access for boats, ferrying people to and from Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Though you don’t need to leave the park to enjoy the Statue of Liberty — the view from the park, with its beautiful waterfront and flower gardens, is already spectacular.
Speak, Memory
Battery Park is a public art museum, landscaped garden and historic centre, all in one. It holds several memorials, all of which warrant a visit. The Holocaust Memorial was completed in 1989 and holds various permanent and temporary exhibitions, alongside a 375-seat theatre which hosts films, readings and lectures to highlight the richness of Jewish culture and ideas. Besides that, there is the Irish Hunger Memorial, and the Hope Garden Memorial to AIDS victims, among other thoughtful tributes.
The Seaglass Carousel
In the past, the Battery Park was the first home of the New York Aquarium. The Seaglass carousel was designed with this history in mind. Its structure was inspired by the chambered nautilus, and this spiralling pavilion of glass and steel brings art, architecture, music and, of course, fun, to children and adults alike. Naturally, the traditional wooden horses have made way for iridescent fish.
Please note that tour guides are not allowed to guide inside the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Your guide will give you full information on each island and then silently accompany you through the museums. He/she will be able to answer questions you may have but not actually “guide” you through the museums.
Please note that tour guides are not allowed to guide inside the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Your guide will give you full information on each island and then silently accompany you through the museums. He/she will be able to answer questions you may have but not actually “guide” you through the museums.
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