Although what is now called Governor's Island was, until the mid-17th century, a "seasonal foraging ground" for Indians and then a country retreat for Dutch and British colonists, its location in the harbor made it natural site for defense. It was the site of a historical meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. It is now owned by the City and State of New York and, although plans for the island remain somewhat controversial, its potential as a retreat for New Yorkers and visitors is also natural. The island commands wonderful views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island. Its numerous buildings are gradually being restored and any converted to the purpose of promoting the arts.
On a beautiful day in June I decided to make the trek to Governor's Island and could not have had a more wonderful experience.
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Ferry trip to the island (view of Manhattan)
Plaque marking the entrance to Governor's Island
The quick ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn (free on weekends!), the grounds of the island and the wonderful views of downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn, Ellis Island, Liberty Island (the Statue of Liberty), the Verrazano Bridge, and Staten Island make the trip worthwhile but there is so much more.
The island is being developed for the arts and for recreation. From beach volleyball at "Water Taxi Beach," to a small driving range for golf, to spaces for an informal game of kickball, to trapeze school (!), Governor's Island has a wide range of outdoor recreation for all ages and abilities.
Water Taxi Beach
New York Big Apple Circus Trapeze School
Combo Sculpture Garden and Miniature Golf Course
More Sculpture Garden Whimsy
The buildings found on the island, previously associated with defense, are gradually being restored. Perhaps the crown jewel of these buildings is the Commanding Officer's Quarters. This fine residence and many other buildings that were living quarters, base buildings (such as a medical center) and a chapel are used as art studios and exhibit space. There is even a high school, New York Harbor School, that focuses on the maritime aspect of New York.
Commanding Officer's Quarters
Castle Williams (1811)
Fort Jay (1806)
Special arts festivals add yet another dimension to the island. This summer, Harvestworks has developed an amazing series of events, the 2011 New York Electronic Art Festival. The exhibition on Governor's Island, Wave(forms), includes such important works as Rainforest V (to open July 1) along with such site-specific works as Blue Morph and Waterwall.
Blue Morph: an interactive installation in St. Cornelius Chapel
Waterwall: a sonic sculpture of tuned metal bowls, plates and sluices
Both Blue Morph by Victoria Vesna and Jim Gimzeski and Waterwall by John Morton and Jacqueline Shatz are quite stunning visually. However, at the time I experienced them the sound element was missing. In both cases the technology behind the projects failed. I did find the vision of the large stained glass window of the chapel behind the artwork to be quite haunting and a not sure if the combination of images was intentional or unintentional on the part of the artists.
Other artworks in several of the buildings on the grounds were equally compelling. Here are a few of them:
Military bands from various bases in the area perform on Governor's Island on a regular basis and remind visitors of the island's history as a venue for defense.
As Governor's Island continues to develop and its buildings renovated and many repurposed it's place as a unique area to enjoy the New York experience will doubtless develop as well.
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