Alice Austen House New York City
Discover Victorian photographer Alice Austen's life and work in one of NYC's oldest homes, a hub of art and LGBTQ+ history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Alice Austen House New York City
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Victorian photographer Alice Austen's life and work in one of NYC's oldest homes, a hub of art and LGBTQ+ history.
"A hidden gem on Staten Island, offering a unique glimpse into Victorian life and a pioneering female artist's world."
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning harbor vistas from the park. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
The surrounding park is a peaceful escape. The bench around the tree is a favorite spot. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alice Austen's Photography
Exhibition spaces
See the groundbreaking street and intimate portraits by Alice Austen, a Victorian-era photographer.
Historic Victorian Home
The House
Tour one of New York's oldest homes, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life and architecture.
Waterfront Park Views
Alice Austen Park
Enjoy serene views of the harbor from the park surrounding the house, a perfect spot for reflection.
Planning Your Visit
Victorian Charm & LGBTQ+ History
Staten Island's Hidden Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning harbor vistas from the park. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
The surrounding park is a peaceful escape. The bench around the tree is a favorite spot. :athletic_shoe:
Alice Austen Park, Staten Island NY
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ History
Learn about Alice Austen and her life partner, Gertrude Tate, a significant LGBTQ+ story. :rainbow_flag:
🕰️ Victorian Lifestyle
Experience a unique 'cottagecore lesbian' vibe and Victorian-era photography. :antique:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning harbor vistas from the park. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
The surrounding park is a peaceful escape. The bench around the tree is a favorite spot. :athletic_shoe:
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ History
Learn about Alice Austen and her life partner, Gertrude Tate, a significant LGBTQ+ story. :rainbow_flag:
🕰️ Victorian Lifestyle
Experience a unique 'cottagecore lesbian' vibe and Victorian-era photography. :antique:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Alice Austen House for its rich history, unique LGBTQ+ narrative, and the beautiful waterfront park. Many appreciate the opportunity to learn about a pioneering female photographer in a historic setting. Some note that the house tours can be brief, and accessibility might be a consideration for some.
"From the outside, the Alice Austen House feels like a quiet postcard from another time.
Its white Dutch Colonial façade and wide porch sit gracefully by the Staten Island waterfront, framed by gardens and the open sky. Even without stepping inside, there’s a sense of history in its walls—once home to pioneering photographer Alice Austen, whose life and work left a lasting cultural imprint.
The view alone tells a story: a house that has stood for centuries, watching the harbor’s tides change, holding memories of art, love, and resilience. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, take in the setting, and imagine the life once lived within."
Pierdante Romei
"Alice Austin is someone I had no idea about before visiting this home. The farm house, cottage style home pays homage to its Victorian history. It's curated very well, including a thorough history of Alice's life and the photographs that she took throughout her life. The home isn't entirely dedicated to her memory as some spaces serve as a contemporary museum to exhibitions.
The staff was friendly, and I was able to adventure through the space at my own pace. I visited for free using the Queens Culture Pass and was let in without any issue. There is a lovely assortment of gifts that you can purchase; I went home with two postcards since I thought it was fitting of the theme of Alice's life as a photographer.
Overall, I think this historic home and site is a great place to go if you're interested in the early development of NYC and seeing photos of people who were a part of that legacy. Alice's photographs shorten the distance between the present and the past, showing the normal lives of individuals who may have been lost to time otherwise."
Jasmine
"Fabulous small museum commerating the pioneering photographer Alice Austen (1866-1952). It's also a national designated site for LGBTQ+ history. Alice Austen lived here with her partner Gertrude Tate (1872-1962) before being evicted in 1945. She got discovered just before her death in 1952. The house itself is a Victorian marvel with fantastic views of New York Bay and Manhattan. Super knowledgeable and friendly staff. Beautiful rooms and exciting temporary exhibitions as well as displays dedicated to Alice Austen."
Nils Paellmann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Alice Austen House is located on Staten Island. You can take the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan to St. George Terminal, then catch a bus (like the S51) or a taxi/rideshare to the house. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby.
Yes, public transport is a viable option. After taking the Staten Island Ferry, local buses serve the area around the house. Check MTA schedules for the most current routes and times.
Many visitors enjoy the scenic Staten Island Ferry ride as a free and iconic way to reach the island before heading to the house.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, admission tickets are required to tour the house and exhibitions. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and to book in advance, especially for special events.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and by day. Always check the official Alice Austen House website for the most up-to-date information on operating days and times before your visit.
Guided tours are often available and highly recommended to get the most out of your visit, offering insights into Alice Austen's life and the history of the house. Check the website for tour schedules.
The Alice Austen Park is generally accessible to the public, offering beautiful waterfront views. You can enjoy the park's grounds even if you don't tour the house itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Typically, personal photography for non-commercial use might be allowed in certain areas, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Check signage or ask staff.
The waterfront views from the park are spectacular. Inside the house, focus on architectural details and historical artifacts. Alice Austen's own photographs are also a key visual element.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic sites and parks due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the venue.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Alice Austen (1866-1952) was a pioneering American photographer known for her candid street photography and intimate portraits of friends and family, capturing life in late 19th and early 20th century New York.
The house is one of the oldest homes in New York City, dating back to the 17th century, and it was the home of Alice Austen for most of her life. It's significant for its architectural history and as a site preserving the legacy of a notable female artist and LGBTQ+ history.
Alice Austen lived with her life partner, Gertrude Tate, for many years in the house. Their relationship is a significant aspect of the house's history, highlighting LGBTQ+ lives in the Victorian era.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for any family-specific programming or tours that might be available. The waterfront views can also be a point of interest for kids. Pack snacks and drinks, and be mindful that the historic house may have specific rules regarding children's movement.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers
This destination offers a chance to connect with a lesser-known but important part of queer history in New York City. The house serves as a testament to their lives and a space for reflection on the progress of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
🎨 Art & Photography Enthusiasts
Explore the exhibitions showcasing her extensive portfolio. The house itself, as her former residence, offers a deeper understanding of the environment that shaped her artistic vision. Consider the historical context of photography during the Victorian era to fully appreciate her contributions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Alice Austen: A Victorian Photographer
Her 'cottagecore lesbian' aesthetic, as described by some visitors, reflects a desire for a personal, artistic haven. This perspective is deeply embedded in the Alice Austen House, which preserves not only her work but also the environment that inspired it. The house itself, a historic structure, becomes a backdrop to her artistic journey and personal life.
Visiting the Alice Austen House offers a chance to connect with her legacy through her photographs and the very place she called home. It's an opportunity to appreciate a pioneering female artist and a significant piece of LGBTQ+ history.
Exploring Alice Austen Park
One of the most beloved spots mentioned by visitors is a specific bench wrapped around a tree, offering a unique and serene place to sit and take in the surroundings. This park is ideal for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply enjoying a quiet moment away from the city's intensity. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes the park a vital component of any visit.
Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful spot, the park offers a refreshing experience. It complements the historical insights gained from touring the house, providing a holistic appreciation of the Alice Austen site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit