{"id":1037,"date":"2025-01-20T05:48:39","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T05:48:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newyorktour1.com\/blog\/?p=1037"},"modified":"2025-01-20T16:21:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T16:21:27","slug":"top-5-new-york-indoor-gardens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/top-5-new-york-indoor-gardens\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 New York Indoor Gardens To Escape the Cold"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>While I love my hometown of NYC, even I admit that winter can be a bit gloomy. But that\u2019s no reason not to visit this incredible city, especially when there\u2019s still some green to be had. Fortunately, there\u2019s plenty of natural beauty to be found inside as these top five New York indoor gardens prove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New York indoor gardens can provide a welcome respite from the cold and bustle of the streets, making them one of the best things to do in NYC in winter. But these hidden greenspaces can be hard to find when you need them most. Never fear \u2014 we\u2019ve got your list of the best New York gardens to visit in winter while staying warm inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The Tropic Zone at the Central Park Zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CXL7nAwMvg1\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CXL7nAwMvg1\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/g><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><\/g><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CXL7nAwMvg1\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Central Park Zoo (@centralparkzoo)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Central Park in the winter can be beautiful in its own right, but within this winter wonderland lies one of the most unusual New York indoor gardens. <a href=\"https:\/\/centralparkzoo.com\/exhibits\/tropic-zone-the-rainforest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Tropic Zone<\/a> of the Central Park Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, none of which you\u2019d expect to encounter in Manhattan. A hungry squirrel? Sure. A black-and-white ruffed lemur? Probably not!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Escape the chill of a New York winter in this toasty enclosure. You can listen for the calls of tropical birds and hunt for colorful tree frogs as you explore this corner of South America in the heart of Manhattan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Open year-round, the Tropic Zone is home to many species that will transport you to another land. What\u2019s really cool is that the birds inside the Tropic Zone are flying free inside the enclosure, so don\u2019t be surprised if they fly right by you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the winter months, the Central Park Zoo is open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. every day, and it\u2019s located at 64th Street and 5th Avenue. Tickets for adults 13 and over start at $15.95, though admission for seniors 65+ starts at $12.95. Admission for children 3-12 starts at $9.95, and babies and toddlers 2 and under are always free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local tip:<\/strong> There\u2019s a lot more in NYC\u2019s most famous park than just the zoo. Check out our guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/things-to-do-central-park\/\">top things to do in Central Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C7E0Df4q7nu\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C7E0Df4q7nu\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/g><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><\/g><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C7E0Df4q7nu\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by New York Botanical Garden (@nybg)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>The glass-domed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nybg.org\/garden\/conservatory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Enid A. Haupt Conservatory<\/a> at the New York Botanical Garden is iconic in its own right. It\u2019s filled with multiple galleries with different climates and habitats that offer visitors so much to look at. Whether you want to go to the desert or the tropics, you can do that inside this conservatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The conservatory was originally designed by Lord &amp; Burnham Co., and groundbreaking took place in 1899. It\u2019s restored every 20 years to ensure it stays in good condition, and this also ensures that all the plant life contained in the conservatory can coexist and thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the conservatory is a gorgeous place for you to escape the cold weather during your visit to New York City, it\u2019s also a place where scientists from all over the world come to study the flora hosted inside. This building is so much more than just a garden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Found in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. every day except Mondays. Adult admission starts at $35, seniors 65+ and student admission starts at $31, admission for children 2-12 starts at $25, and children under 2 are free. Tickets have timed entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The Conservatories at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Steinhardt-Conservatory-desert-collection.jpg\" alt=\"Steinhardt Conservatory desert collection\" class=\"wp-image-37088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Steinhardt-Conservatory-desert-collection.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Steinhardt-Conservatory-desert-collection-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Steinhardt-Conservatory-desert-collection-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Steinhardt-Conservatory-desert-collection-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Steinhardt-Conservatory-desert-collection-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Steinhardt-Conservatory-desert-collection-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Steinhardt-Conservatory-desert-collection-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Credit:<\/strong> Natl1 \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Step into an array of climates without ever leaving the city. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbg.org\/collections\/gardens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The conservatories at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden<\/a> feature a variety of worlds safely shielded behind glass from the elements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing the perfect escape from the winter chills, the conservatories feature one of the most extensive collections of orchids in the country inside the Aquatic House, which also has beautiful water features. The cascading waterfall alone is worth the trip to Crown Heights.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Travel tip:<\/strong> While you\u2019re here, check out some of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/9-hidden-gems-in-brooklyn-you-must-see-as-told-by-a-local\/\">other favorite spots in Brooklyn<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modeled after a rainforest, the Tropical Pavilion has everything from banana plants to rubber trees. The roof tops 65 feet to accommodate the tall trees, so the space feels practically endless.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you enter the Desert Pavilion, you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019ve turned the corner into another world. There are several species of cacti and wildflowers that hail from all around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are even more conservatories to explore at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which is open year-round. Winter hours vary, but are generally 10 a.m.-3 p.m., closed on Mondays. Adult admission starts at $22, seniors 65+ start at $16, students 12+ with ID start at $16, and children under 12 are free.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local tip: <\/strong>From December to February, weekday admission is pay what you wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The Ford Foundation Atrium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"816\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium.jpg\" alt=\"Ford Foundation Headquarters Atrium\" class=\"wp-image-37089\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium.jpg 816w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium-125x125.jpg 125w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium-160x160.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Ford-Foundation-Headquarters-Atrium-96x96.jpg 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 816px) 100vw, 816px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Only in New York could you expect to find a forest inside a skyscraper. That\u2019s exactly what you\u2019ll see when you step inside the <a href=\"https:\/\/tclf.org\/landscapes\/ford-foundation-atrium\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ford Foundation building<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The atrium, completed in 1967, is 160 feet tall and flanked by glass facades. It\u2019s possible to cut through the building to get from 42nd to 43rd street, enjoying this verdant space along the way \u2014 one of the most beautiful New York indoor gardens. The garden was designed by Dan Kiley. The building and atrium were both named New York City Landmarks in 1997.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During your visit, you can toss a coin into the fountain and make a wish. You can also just sit among the trees \u2014 there are nearly 40 species.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And this space isn\u2019t just green in color, it\u2019s environmentally green, too. The water used throughout, both for the plants and for ornamentation, is collected rainfall, and the coins tossed into the water are donated to UNICEF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice is located at 320 E. 43rd St. The Atrium is free for visitors to access and is open to the public from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. from Monday to Friday. It\u2019s open on Saturdays as well from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. if there&#8217;s an exhibit on display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The Butterfly Conservatory at the Museum of Natural History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Monarch-butterfly-1024x676.jpg\" alt=\"Monarch butterfly\" class=\"wp-image-37090\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Monarch-butterfly-1024x676.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Monarch-butterfly-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Monarch-butterfly-768x507.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Monarch-butterfly-1536x1014.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Monarch-butterfly-2048x1352.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Monarch-butterfly-1000x660.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Monarch-butterfly-500x330.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Monarch-butterfly-160x106.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/Monarch-butterfly-150x99.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you think of the American Museum of Natural History, you probably picture old bones, but that\u2019s not all that\u2019s here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tucked away inside this incredible collection is one of the most vibrant spots in the city: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amnh.org\/exhibitions\/butterflies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium<\/a>. Filled with hundreds of these graceful creatures, the butterfly garden invites guests to learn about butterflies up-close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within the space, you\u2019ll find up to 80 species of butterflies as well as several moths. The museum provides ID cards on display so that visitors tell exactly which species are fluttering around. There is also a pupae incubator so you can see chrysalises (and if you\u2019re lucky, you might see a new adult butterfly pop out).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wander through a balmy 80-degree vivarium containing dense plant life. Hold still, and a few butterflies might just land on you. Be careful not to touch their delicate wings, but lean in close to experience a new perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The museum is located at 200 Central Park West and is open daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tickets for adults start at $30, and New York residents with valid ID can pay what they choose. The butterfly garden requires an additional ticket on top of your museum ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bonus: The New York Earth Room<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C6O-aRhue1J\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C6O-aRhue1J\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/g><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><\/g><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C6O-aRhue1J\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Dia Art Foundation (@diaartfoundation)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>A bit of a departure from the norm, the <a href=\"https:\/\/diaart.org\/visit\/visit-our-locations-sites\/walter-de-maria-the-new-york-earth-room-new-york-united-states\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Earth Room<\/a> is a bit less of a garden and a bit more of an art piece, but there is soil involved, so I\u2019m including it. Created by artist Walter De Maria in 1977, the Earth Room is a second-story apartment filled with over 22 inches of real soil. That\u2019s over 280,000 pounds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>De Maria first created an Earth Room in Munich in 1968, then another in Darmstadt, West Germany in 1974, before bringing the movement to New York. The first two Earth Rooms are no longer around, so fans of the statement piece can only find it here in NYC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Earth Room invokes a deep connection with the dirt, a rare commodity in this concrete jungle. The soil is watered weekly, and while it once required regular weeding, the earth here is now barren. Come experience the strange juxtaposition of the natural and the constructed in this unique space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Free to visit, the Earth Room is a unique place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city, if only for a few minutes. It\u2019s located at 141 Wooster St. and is open from 12-3 p.m. and 3:30-6 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And while we all love to capture memories for Instagram, Dia Art Foundation, who maintains the room now, asks that patrons don\u2019t take photos while in the space. Instead, simply enjoy the peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discover more of New York<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"564\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/New-York-Botanical-Garden-Southern-Boulevard-The-Bronx-NY-USA-1024x564.jpg\" alt=\"New York Botanical Garden, Southern Boulevard, The Bronx, NY, USA\" class=\"wp-image-37091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/New-York-Botanical-Garden-Southern-Boulevard-The-Bronx-NY-USA-1024x564.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/New-York-Botanical-Garden-Southern-Boulevard-The-Bronx-NY-USA-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/New-York-Botanical-Garden-Southern-Boulevard-The-Bronx-NY-USA-768x423.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/New-York-Botanical-Garden-Southern-Boulevard-The-Bronx-NY-USA-1536x847.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/New-York-Botanical-Garden-Southern-Boulevard-The-Bronx-NY-USA-2048x1129.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/New-York-Botanical-Garden-Southern-Boulevard-The-Bronx-NY-USA-500x276.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/New-York-Botanical-Garden-Southern-Boulevard-The-Bronx-NY-USA-160x88.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/New-York-Botanical-Garden-Southern-Boulevard-The-Bronx-NY-USA-150x83.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s so much to do in New York, and we would love to help you see all of it! You can book one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/new-york-tours\/\">New York City tours<\/a> to see everything from the Statue of Liberty to Little Italy to Wall Street.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in the chilly winter months, New York is still one of the most magical places to visit. You just have to bundle up a little bit while you\u2019re out grabbing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/10-iconic-nyc-foods-where-to-go-and-what-to-order\/\">one of the most iconic NYC foods<\/a> or exploring every corner of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Feature photo credit:<\/strong> King of Hearts \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While I love my hometown of NYC, even I admit that winter can be a bit gloomy. But that\u2019s no reason not to visit this incredible city, especially when there\u2019s still some green to be had. Fortunately, there\u2019s plenty of natural beauty to be found inside as these top five New York indoor gardens prove.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":37087,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1037"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1037"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1037\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37093,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1037\/revisions\/37093"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1037"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1037"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1037"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}