Accessibility
Snug Harbor is committed to making our programs, grounds, galleries, and facilities accessible for all visitors. Please refer to our campus map for the exact locations of our gardens and facilities.
Accessibility Guidelines
Parking lots 1-4 have designated spaces for visitors utilizing wheelchairs or mobility devices, indicated with blue striping and signage.
Visitors using wheelchairs and mobility devices can enter all areas of Snug Harbor’s campus, but are advised to contact Snug Harbor Rangers at 929.529.5761 if they need assistance accessing any gardens or facilities, specifically and especially inside of the Chinese Scholar’s Garden.
The North Gate at Richmond Terrace does not include an accessible ramp and may not be suitable for people who use wheelchairs. We recommend the East or West Gate for visitors using wheelchairs.
We ask our visitors using wheelchairs to please use caution as many garden paths are narrow, rough, uneven, or steep.
Recent improvements to entrances and paths include:
- Herb Garden and Gazebo Row: Bluestone repairs and releveling completed to provide an improved walking surface.
- Cottage Row: Bluestone repairs and releveling completed to provide an improved walking surface.
- Harbor Eats Patio: a Convenience ramp and sidewalk installed to provide easier access to Harbor Eats patio near Cottage Row. Pedestrian Entrance at East Gate: A pedestrian-only entrance that features a new walkway to accommodate people using wheelchairs or mobility devices.
- Kissel Gate and Wetlands Path: A new wheelchair accessible pedestrian gate with curb cut and a wetlands overlook platform that provides visitors using wheelchairs and mobility devices access to the existing natural wetlands paths. The new modular decking path is ADA compliant.
- Shinbone Alley: We have rebuilt the staircase leading up Shinbone Alley to Chapel Road to provide a code-compliant stair width on the top stair to improve access for visitors using mobility assistance devices.
- Chapel Road: Bluestone slabs that ran along Chapel Road were removed and resurfaced with asphalt to provide a more level and safe walking and driving surface.
- Bluestone Repairs on Front Lawn: The bluestone slabs in front of Buildings A and B were re-leveled to provide an even, safe walking surface.
While the entrance to the Chinese Scholar’s Garden is through Cottage E, which lacks wheelchair access, the attendant on duty will come outside for ticket purchases, as well as to offer any needed assistance. Please call the Snug Harbor Rangers at 929-529-5761 upon your arrival to alert staff of accessibility needs.
Please keep in mind that the Chinese Scholar’s Garden is an authentic representation from thousands of years ago, and therefore has some components that are more difficult to maneuver. There is a small area that is inaccessible by wheelchair, but is still fully in view, and does not affect the ability to experience the entire garden. Paths are intentionally slanted and curved, based on authentic ancient Chinese philosophy and design. The stone work is delicate and can provide some bumps. Paths can be slippery in less desirable weather.
Visitors using wheelchairs and other mobility assist devices can access the Newhouse Center via:
- Ramp at Shinbone Alley
- Shinbone Alley entrance for Building G: Please take the elevator in the lower level of Building G up to the gallery level, then turn left when exiting the elevator. You will see the wheelchair lift, which you can access to bring you to Building C. Please speak with the gallery attendant at the desk near the elevator in Building G second floor for assistance using the lift.
The historic Music Hall, which was constructed in 1892, is wheelchair accessible for patrons and staff. The main/orchestra level is accessible via ramp from the east parking lot sidewalk that leads directly to the front doors. There is no wheelchair access to the balcony level.
A wheelchair-accessible unisex restroom is located on the east side of the Music Hall’s main/orchestra level only.
Wheelchair-accessible locations and designated aisle transfer seats are available throughout the main/orchestra level. Please specify accessible seating when purchasing tickets to ensure the most suitable accommodations.
Wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and canes may need to be stored during performances if they are obstructing the aisles. Ushers will mark and store mobility devices and return to patrons at intermission and the conclusion of the performance. The Music Hall does not presently have assistive listening devices or captioning devices, nor braille on signage.
A new Music Hall Annex was completed in 2026. In the new wheelchair-accessible annex, all entryways, restrooms, dressing rooms, office spaces and public spaces are accessible to individuals requiring mobility assistance.
The new annex building facilitates wheelchair access to the Music Hall stage and orchestra pit for performers.
The South Meadow stage is wheelchair accessible for performers via a ramp at the upstage position from the parking lot directly behind the stage. The nearest wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in the basement level of Building P, a short distance away. The South Meadow is a grass meadow and does not have any paved pathways.
Guests in wheelchairs can enter Building P through the Winter Garden entrance along Farm Road and take the elevator down to the basement floor.
The Richmond County Savings Foundation Tuscan Garden Green Stage is a flat lawn that leads down to the main Tuscan Garden area via steps. The audience area is accessible for wheelchair users from the garden entrance off of Farm Road. The stage area is not wheelchair accessible.
Guests using wheelchairs or mobility devices can access ADA-compliant restrooms through the ground-floor door to Building G at Shinbone Alley.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are also available to guests visiting the Noble Maritime Collection, the Staten Island Museum, the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, and the Children’s Museum.
A wheelchair-accessible unisex restroom is located on the east side of the Music Hall’s main/orchestra level only.
Snug Harbor provides numerous learning opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Our programs can be adapted for groups to meet any accommodations that may be required. When scheduling a class trip to Snug Harbor, please indicate on the inquiry form about any accommodations required for students or teachers. Private Tour routings can also be tailored for adults who require mobility assistance or learning related accommodations.
For questions or comments about accessibility at Snug Harbor, please contact us [email protected] or 718.425.3504
