On the southern tip of Manhattan, between Battery Park and Battery Park City, Wagner Park has reopened after an 18-month closure and full-scale renovation.
Named after Robert F. Wagner — who, despite sharing a last name with the famous composer, served as New York City’s mayor from 1954 to 1965 — the park offers a peaceful green escape with iconic views.
What’s Inside?
Wagner Park is an ideal spot for a picnic. The expansive lawn overlooks Jersey City, including the historic Colgate Clock, Ellis Island, and, of course, the Statue of Liberty.
The park also offers views of Downtown Manhattan’s skyscrapers and includes sculptures like Eyes by renowned artist Louise Bourgeois and Resonating Bodies by Tony Cragg.
While some of the brand-new pavilions are still under construction, they’re expected to feature public rooftop access and an ice cream café — perfect for summer visits and Instagram shots alike.
Sustainability & Resilience
The new buildings in Wagner Park are fully electric and designed to meet net-zero carbon certification standards. Beyond its urban beauty, the park is engineered to serve as a resilient buffer against extreme weather events.
Underneath the lawns lies a 240,000-liter stormwater reservoir, collecting rainwater for reuse. There’s also a subsurface storm wall designed to withstand future hurricanes like Sandy.
The landscape features native salt-tolerant plants, well-suited to rising tides and coastal conditions. On the Hudson River side, rainwater is filtered through gardens and a slow-release infiltration system, reducing flood risk.
Locals especially appreciate the new night-friendly lighting, which preserves the area’s natural ambiance after dark.
Who Designed It?
The park was reimagined by acclaimed architecture firm Thomas Phifer and Partners — known for projects like the Glenstone Museum wing, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw — in collaboration with AECOM, the landscape team behind Hudson Yards, LaGuardia Airport, LAX, and the 2012 London Olympic Park.
Visitor Info
Admission: Free
📍 Address: Wagner Park / 20 Battery Pl, New York, NY
Just next door, you’ll also find the Skyscraper Museum, a small but fascinating institution — and it’s completely free to enter.
