Building 110 at Soissons Landing

Hey New Yorkers! When we talk about unique green spaces in our city, Governors Island is truly in a league of its own. It's a place where history, art, and nature beautifully intertwine, offering a distinct escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. And if you're looking to explore a fascinating blend of cultural activity within that serene landscape, then heading towards Building 110 at Soissons Landing is a must. This isn't just a "park" in the traditional sense, but rather a significant building situated within the vast parkland of Governors Island, acting as a vibrant hub for arts and culture, surrounded by stunning open spaces and harbor views.

Governors Island itself has been transformed from a former military base into a beloved public destination, featuring expansive parkland, historic districts, and a growing array of recreational and cultural attractions. Building 110, specifically, has become a cornerstone of this transformation, embodying the island's commitment to arts and public engagement. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in contemporary art, enjoy public programs, and then step outside to some of the most breathtaking views and serene green spaces New York Harbor has to offer. This article will guide you through what makes Building 110 and its surrounding area at Soissons Landing a truly special place for any local looking for an enriching day trip.

Building 110 is located at Soissons Landing on Governors Island, with the provided address of 146 Carder Rd, New York, NY 10004, USA. This address specifically points to its location near the main ferry arrival point for Manhattan ferries on Governors Island. Governors Island itself is a 172-acre island in New York Harbor, just south of Manhattan.

Accessibility to Building 110 and Governors Island is exclusively via ferry, which is an integral part of the experience:

• Governors Island Ferry: The Trust for Governors Island operates ferries from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Lower Manhattan. These ferries typically arrive at Soissons Landing, placing you directly at or very near Building 110. The ferry ride itself is short (around 5-7 minutes) and offers stunning views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
• NYC Ferry: The city's public ferry service also connects Governors Island (typically to Yankee Pier on the southern side of the island) with various points along the Brooklyn waterfront and other Manhattan locations. While this might require a slightly longer walk across the island to reach Soissons Landing, it offers alternative access routes.

Once on Governors Island, the area around Building 110 at Soissons Landing is highly pedestrian-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Governors Island is largely car-free, making it an ideal place for walking, biking, and exploring on foot. Bike rentals are available on the island, and the surrounding areas near Soissons Landing feature paved paths, open plazas, and clear signage guiding visitors to various attractions, including The Hills, Hammock Grove, and the Historic District. The short ferry ride and easy navigation once on the island make Building 110 and its surrounding parkland incredibly accessible for New Yorkers from all boroughs.

Building 110 at Soissons Landing primarily functions as The Arts Center at Governors Island, operated by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC). This repurposed 1870s munitions storage warehouse offers a range of services focused on arts, culture, and public engagement:

• Artist Residencies: The building serves as a multidisciplinary space providing retreat-style artist residencies year-round, fostering creative experimentation.
• Public Exhibitions: It hosts public art exhibitions and installations, showcasing a diverse range of ideas and media, often with an emphasis on site-specific projects that consider the unique island location.
• Public Programs: LMCC's "Take Care Series" offers free public programs, including performances, workshops, talks, and interactive events designed to engage audiences of all ages in creative practices and community projects focused on care for self, community, and planet.
• Performance and Rehearsal Spaces: The renovated interior includes smaller rooms for performance, rehearsal, and additional exhibition space.
• Art Studios: Dedicated art studios on both levels provide workspace for artists in residence.
• Visitor Information and Restrooms: Building 110 is a key visitor amenity, housing public restrooms with flush toilets near Soissons Landing, which is crucial for guests arriving by ferry.
• Cafe: A cafe framed by an exposed-brick wall offers refreshments and views of Lower Manhattan and the harbor, providing a convenient spot for a break.

Beyond Building 110 itself, the surrounding parkland and open spaces at Soissons Landing offer general park services, including seating, scenic views, and ample space for strolling and relaxation.

Building 110 at Soissons Landing, as part of Governors Island, boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for arts and nature enthusiasts.

• LMCC Arts Center: This is the primary highlight. Building 110 is the first permanent home for arts and culture on Governors Island, serving as an incubator for creative experimentation and a significant public venue for exhibitions and programs.
• Adaptive Reuse Architecture: The building itself is a feat of adaptive reuse, transforming an 1870s munitions storage warehouse into a modern, flexible 40,000 square foot space for arts and culture. The design, with its exposed original truss structure and abundant natural light, is an award-winning example of sustainable renovation.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Building 110 is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that its cultural offerings can be enjoyed by everyone.
• Strategic Location at Soissons Landing: Its position right next to the main ferry landing from Manhattan means it's one of the first attractions visitors encounter, making it a natural starting point for an island exploration.
• Panoramic Harbor Views: From the cafe within Building 110 and the open areas around Soissons Landing, visitors are treated to superb, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the expansive New York Harbor.
• Integration with Park Amenities: It seamlessly connects to the broader parkland of Governors Island, allowing visitors to combine an art experience with outdoor recreation, including walking along the Great Promenade, visiting Hammock Grove, or exploring The Hills.
• Proximity to Future Developments: The area around Soissons Landing is part of ongoing development plans for Governors Island, including potential new concessions and open spaces, ensuring it remains a dynamic and evolving area.

As a cultural and public amenity within the broader Governors Island park system, Building 110 at Soissons Landing (the LMCC Arts Center) primarily offers free access to its public programs and exhibitions, serving as its core "promotions."

• Free Public Exhibitions: The Arts Center regularly hosts exhibitions that are free and open to the public, providing an accessible way to experience contemporary art.
• Free Public Programs and Workshops: LMCC's "Take Care Series" and other public programs often include free performances, workshops, talks, and interactive events, offering engaging cultural experiences at no cost. These events are announced on LMCC's website and Governors Island's events calendar.
• Governors Island Free Ferry Days: While a round-trip ferry ticket to Governors Island typically costs $5 for adults, there are often free ferry departures on weekend mornings (e.g., before noon on Saturdays and Sundays). This effectively serves as a "promotion" for free access to the entire island, including Building 110 and its surrounding areas. Check the Governors Island official website for current free ferry schedules.
• Seasonal Events and Festivals: Governors Island, including areas near Soissons Landing, often hosts free seasonal festivals, concerts (like Porch Stomp mentioned in external information), and community events. These events are free to attend and provide additional "promotional" reasons to visit.
• Accessible Amenities: The provision of wheelchair accessibility and free public restrooms within Building 110 is a valuable "offer" that enhances the visit for all guests.

For the most up-to-date information on free programs, exhibitions, and ferry schedules, visitors are encouraged to check the official websites for Governors Island and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC).

For comprehensive information regarding Building 110 at Soissons Landing, which houses The Arts Center at Governors Island, and for general inquiries about Governors Island, please use the following resources:

Address: 146 Carder Rd, New York, NY 10004, USA (This specific address points to Building 110's location on Governors Island near Soissons Landing).

There is no direct phone number solely for "Building 110" as it is part of a larger complex. However, you can contact the organizations that manage or utilize the building:

• Governors Island (General Inquiries): For ferry schedules, overall island information, and general visitor services, please refer to the official Governors Island website (www.govisland.com).
• Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC - The Arts Center): For information about current exhibitions, artist residencies, and public programs within Building 110, please visit the LMCC website (www.lmcc.net). Their general contact information can usually be found there.

As Building 110 is a key amenity, information about its restroom facilities and accessibility is often found on the main Governors Island visitor info pages. Always check the official websites for the most current operating hours, ferry schedules, and event listings, as these can change seasonally.

For New York locals, Building 110 at Soissons Landing on Governors Island offers a truly unique and enriching experience that seamlessly blends culture, history, and recreation. It's not just a "park" in the traditional sense, but a dynamic destination within a larger green oasis. For residents looking for an escape that's close to home yet feels worlds away, Governors Island is perfect, and Building 110 serves as a fantastic starting point. Here's why it's suitable for locals:

• Accessible Cultural Hub: As the home of the LMCC Arts Center, Building 110 provides year-round access to free art exhibitions and public programs, enriching our city's cultural landscape without requiring a long journey or hefty admission fees.
• Unique Urban Escape: Just a short, scenic ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, it offers a refreshing break from the concrete jungle. You can immerse yourself in art, then immediately step out into expansive green spaces, enjoying breathtaking harbor views.
• Family-Friendly and Relaxing: The surrounding parkland of Governors Island is ideal for a day out with family, cycling, picnicking, or simply relaxing in Hammock Grove or exploring The Hills. Building 110 provides convenient restrooms and a cafe to support your day's adventures.
• Continually Evolving: Governors Island is always growing and adding new attractions. Locals can return again and again to discover new art installations, seasonal events, and evolving landscapes, ensuring there's always something fresh to explore.
• Perfect for a Half-Day or Full-Day Outing: Whether you want to quickly pop over for an art exhibition and lunch, or spend a full day exploring the island's many facets, Building 110 is a central and engaging part of the experience.

Ultimately, Building 110 at Soissons Landing and the surrounding Governors Island offer New Yorkers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with art, history, and nature in a setting that is uniquely our own, making it a highly recommended destination for any local seeking a distinctive urban adventure.

Building 110 at Soissons Landing

146 Carder Rd, New York, NY 10004, USA