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Alice Austen House New York City

4.7

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

Spring & Fall afternoons

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow

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Alice Austen House New York City

Best Time

Spring & Fall afternoons

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow

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.

4.7

(336 reviews)

"A hidden gem on Staten Island, offering a unique glimpse into Victorian life and a pioneering female artist's world."

TIP

📸 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:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 336 reviews

Type

Museum

Address

2 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA

Website

aliceausten.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

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.

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Victorian Charm & LGBTQ+ History

Explore the life of pioneering photographer Alice Austen and her partner in one of NYC's oldest homes. Discover a unique slice of Victorian history and LGBTQ+ heritage on Staten Island.

Staten Island's Hidden Gem

Escape the Manhattan bustle and discover the Alice Austen House. Plan your trip to this historic site for a peaceful immersion in art, history, and stunning waterfront views.

Best Times

When

Spring & Fall afternoons

Why

Pleasant weather for exploring

Crowd

Low

When

Weekends

Why

Guided tours available

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Reply to @ohkay000 visiting this house in Staten Island is why I started “Someone Lived Here”#cottagecore #lgtb #history #nyc

@kendragaylord

73.3K likes • 412.7K views

📸 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:

During their first month at ICP, new OYC students take an annual field trip to Alice Austen House to explore the historic property and learn about Austen's groundbreaking photographic practice, dating back to the 19th century. ⁠ ⁠ Thank you to Director of Public Engagement + Programs, @KristenBartley who gave our students an excellent tour and offered deep knowledge about Alice Austen's life and w...

icp

100 likes • 6.7K views

Why is this timeworn easy chair among @aliceaustenhouse’s most prized objects? Find out in the latest episode of #FoundedByNYC Object Lessons.⁠ ⁠ In it, Victoria Munro, Executive Director of the Alice Austen House, introduces us to the museum’s groundbreaking namesake, who was one of America’s first woman photographers to work outside the studio, documenting a changing New York City during the la...

nyctourism

308 likes • 13.6K views

🏳️‍🌈 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:

Open House New York Weekend is over, but I've still got a couple of Buildings of the Day left to share. Here's Number 9, the Alice Austen House on Staten Island. Sources/Recommended Reading Bonnie Yochelson, Alice Austen: Life with Gertrude Tate, The Gotham Center for New York City History Maria Popova, The Other Great Gertrude-and-Alice Love Story: The Life and Legacy of Pioneering Photographer...

shilohinthecity

309 likes • 7.5K views

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

4.7

(336 reviews)

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

Historic house charm

Pioneering photographer's work

Waterfront park views

What People Dislike

Tour length

Limited accessibility

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.