[gentle inspiring music] - [Narrator] It's a destination unlike any other.

- Almost anything that you can imagine, you could experience here.

- Where do you look first?

There's something for everyone, there really is.

- [Narrator] An expansive campus that is home to nature, culture, and art - Spaces for creative people to do their work, this is it.

- You can come in here, have no clue as to what you're looking to find and find it.

- [Narrator] A historic site where past and present converge.

- Staten Island has a really deep, rich history and you can only understand it if you come to visit and experience it.

- An unparalleled world that offers a breadth of experiences all year round.

If you just look around, you will see it is an absolute jewel in New York City.

- I look at this as our treasure trove of gems, it's not just one treasure, it is multiple.

- [Narrator] This is Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, a treasure of New York.

[gentle music] - [Announcer] Funding for this program is made possible by The Staten Island Foundation.

- [Narrator] On the north shore of Staten Island, just a short trip from Manhattan, is an enchanting oasis on the water called Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

From dawn to dusk, seven days a week, and all year round, this inviting, sprawling, 83-acre campus is yours to explore.

- Snug Harbor is the best kept secret in New York City.

- When you walk onto these grounds and just seeing the beauty of the nature here, the front lawn that sweeps toward the water, it's just a beautiful place to be.

- [Narrator] Upon entering Snug Harbor's opened gates, you'll find a multifaceted cultural center and a lush botanical garden that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world.

But there's far more than what first meets the eye.

- It is an art gallery, it is a garden, it is a school, it is a habitat for endangered species.

It is a farm, it is many, many things, including a repository of beautiful 19th century architecture and open green space in a city that cries out for all of those things.

Snug Harbor and its campus allows people to see themselves, to view themselves in a way through culture, through art, through music, through nature, and when you understand those things, you understand yourself.

[gentle music] - [Narrator] Walking the grounds, interacting with the surroundings, and coming upon unexpected sites, one might begin to wonder, how did Snug Harbor become what it is today?

- You really can't understand what it is until you come here to be on the site and understand how this really is an embodiment of almost 200 years of culture in this area, and that there are still vestiges here to explore and connect on.

- [Narrator] The story of Snug Harbor begins over 200 years ago with the last will and testament of Captain Robert Richard Randall.

Robert Richard Randall was a man of the sea.

As an heir to a shipping fortune, he bequeathed a significant amount of his wealth to create a haven for what were referred to as aged, decrepit, and worn out sailors.

- Life for sailors at that time, I think was really challenging and hard.

You know, a lot of the people that chose that as a profession chose it because they didn't really have a lot of other choices, and when you can't do it anymore, there's the question of what are you good for?

What are you useful for?

A place like this was really an alternative that was somewhat unique for people like that.

- [Narrator] In creating his will, it said that Captain Randall was advised by the family lawyer, none other than founding father Alexander Hamilton, and upon Randall's death in 1801, work began to bring that vision of a refuge to life.

A tranquil piece of land overlooking New York Bay was selected on Staten Island.

In 1831, ground was broken.

- The wealth had come from the sea, it should go back to the sea, and they founded a charitable home for sailors.

- [Narrator] Just two years later, in the Summer of 1833, Sailors Snug Harbor officially opened its doors to retired sailors from across the globe.

- Captain Randall, his vision was to just give these people comfort, and he did, he accomplished that.

- A vibrant and thriving place at was a home and a community for a group of people who otherwise would've just been tossed to the world.

- [Narrator] Initially, Sailors Snug Harbor accommodated just 37 retired seamen, but over the years, that number grew.

By the 1890's, almost 1000 sailors and staff members were living on the grounds and the site expanded with them.

More and more buildings were constructed, standing as bold and elegant exemplars of 19th century architecture, a self-sustaining community was created.

- We had a farm, we had a hospital, we had our own laundry facilities, our own power plant, we have a music hall, we had a church as well as a small chapel, they were well looked after.

- As I'm walking through the grounds, I try to close my eyes and imagine the people who are here, working, toiling, living, loving, just trying to make a way through their everyday lives.

- [Narrator] These retired sailors who were affectionately known as snugs, who were afforded the opportunity to live out the remainder of their days with dignity and a sense of purpose.

- I remember as a child my parents bringing me here and seeing the snug sitting, you know, just outside talking to each other and I can imagine the conversations of days on the high seas and it was really a fascinating place to be.

- They showed us the halls inside, they showed us their dining room, they took us in and showed us each one had their own bunk, they sometimes would show you pictures of where they sailed, if they had them, they loved to tell stories.

- [Narrator] Sailors Snug Harbor was that final port for these men, a beautiful refuge and a beacon of hope.

But over time, the world began to change, new government programs were set up to provide financial safety nets for retirees.

- There were fewer snugs coming as social services in our country afforded the ability of the snugs to a lot of 'em to live on their own after they retired.

- [Narrator] As the influx of these retired sailors decreased, and with Robert Richard Randall's endowment nearly depleted, the operation of the site was no longer economically viable.

By the mid 20th century, a storm was on the horizon.

- It was sort of a perfect storm of less need and less money which created challenging conditions for operating the property.

- And at that point, Sailors Snug Harbor, the site, shifted from having a phase of expansion to contracting.

- [Narrator] Sailors Snug Harbor fell into disrepair.

To the dismay of preservationists, once magnificent buildings had now deteriorated and were demolished.

- One of the most remarkable examples of this is the Randall Memorial Church.

The Randall Memorial Church was actually a replica of St Paul's Cathedral, which is in London where the Royal family worships, they had not been able to afford to keep it up and so it was demolished.

- It is so important to save historic architecture because we really are our history, we are the products of our history, we learn from our history, we really would be diminished if we destroyed everything that had come before us.

- [Narrator] In 1965, the newly founded New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, saved a number of these buildings by designating them as landmarks.

But the financial demands in maintaining them were still too great.

Sailors Snug Harbor was sinking and the property was put up for sale.

- I've seen too much development in New York where gorgeous structures have been raised, not just on Staten Island, in other parts of New York City that we've lost, that we can never get back.

- [Narrator] With the loss of history at stake, members of the Staten Island community at large banded together.

- The architecture is amazing, the land is amazing, we can't let it happen.

- [Narrator] And they didn't let it happen, the group convinced the city of New York to acquire the property, which prevented it from falling permanently into private hands.

Now the goal was to create a cultural Mecca for everyone to enjoy.

- The dream was just to see this place bustling with people so they could come and enjoy all the various disciplines that were offered here and lull around the grounds, enjoy them.

- [Narrator] The first chapter in Snug Harbor story had ended but a new one was beginning.

In 1975, the not-for-profit Snug Harbor Cultural Center was formed and the following year, most of the remaining sailors relocated to a new home in North Carolina, but fiscal realities remained.

- It was a great challenge, a great dream, and it sort of took my life over.

- [Narrator] That same year, in July of 1976, the cultural center got a big boost with a visit from American Royalty, former first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Onassis was a tenacious advocate for historic preservation who helped save numerous landmarks from the wrecking ball, including Grand Central Terminal.

- It was a beautiful day and Jackie was very serene and dignified and I will always remember that the reporters were right in her face all the time.

And I remember one of them put a microphone right up, practically, up her face, up her nose, and she just took his hand, didn't say anything, took his hand and moved it away, never said anything.

- [Narrator] Onassis gave Snug Harbor the visibility it desperately needed.

A few weeks later, Snug Harbor Cultural Center officially opened with great fanfare to the public.

Thousands of people came to celebrate the momentous occasion.

- That personal connection of Staten Islanders to Snug Harbor is what drove its creation as a cultural center and botanical garden for the direct benefit of the people of Staten Island in New York City.

- The odds just thrived, it was a space for everybody, which is amazing.

- [Narrator] Since that day, Snug Harbor has become a thriving campus of arts, culture, and nature.

Far from being forgotten, the past is celebrated and embraced, the historic buildings and grounds of Sailors Snug Harbor have been repurposed and adapted for modern day use.

- We have been working to have this become a place that is relevant for today, but with an eye to and an homage to the historic fiber that we see here every day.

- When you walk onto the campus, there's something that just transforms you.

It's restorative, and it gives you an exhilarating feeling about the potential that's still here and the peacefulness that still exists here.

- [Narrator] On the front lawn, the row of five Greek revival buildings will still command your attention.

In the center, what was once an administration building with dormitories is now home to a one of a kind contemporary art gallery.

- One of the most exciting places to visit on our grounds is the new house center for contemporary art, which is the longest continuously open contemporary arts gallery in Staten Island.

- You walk in and you just look up, you gotta be careful you don't walk into a wall, the workmanship, it's quite something, it really is.

- We've got this stunning Greek revival building dating from the 1830's with these beautiful nautical theme, murals, stained glass windows, that's where we have the edgiest, most innovative contemporary art.

- [Narrator] Artists of various disciplines are also offered their own studio space.

This ideal setting provides them ample opportunity to create, cross-pollinate, and hone their craft.

- I've had a studio here from the very beginning, I was the first studio artist and I needed a space separate to do my creative work.

You know, you're with creative people on a regular level and you know, who's across the hall from you and when they're taking a nap, but it has that wonderful atmosphere of a community and people help each other and stimulate each other and are resourceful, very resourceful.

- [Narrator] Artists can even go so far as to live on the campus through performing artist residencies.

- This creates a very dynamic environment that welcomes artists at all stages of their career by helping them like we have always done to provide shelter, to provide inspiration on our grounds, and then also to provide a way to intercept with the public and be in discussion about their art.

- [Narrator] These artists need not go far for inspiration, Snug Harbor's natural beauty compliments its cultural beauty.

The exquisitely manicured botanical gardens awaken the senses providing tranquility and respite.

- It's important to have green spaces like this to just get away, to decompress, you can come here and it's pastoral, it's like our own little central park.

- [Narrator] Snug Harbor transports you sometimes to other parts of the world.

This is exemplified by the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden which opened to the public in 1999.

- It was designed and built in Suzhou, China, modeled on named dynasty gardens, everything was dismantled, shipped here, the artisans came, we had 40 artisans assembling the garden.

- [Narrator] Staying true to traditional Chinese construction, the garden was built without the use of nails or glue.

- It is the best surprise in New York City with the beautiful Koi ponds and the architecture, it is just absolutely beautiful.

- [Narrator] A variety of scholars rocks have been thoughtfully placed throughout.

These abstract forms represent mountains which have inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries.

- People are able to come and enjoy this space that is designed to support our ability to meditate upon life's essential questions and to really marvel at the great diversity in life and understand that we are just one part of a larger puzzle.

- It's very peaceful to walk through it and you notice the beauty of it, you notice the beauty of how it blends with the rest of the campus.

- [Narrator] At Snug Harbor, one can travel from China to Italy on foot.

A leisurely stroll leads you to the Richmond County Savings Foundation Tuscan Garden.

Completed in 2010, this garden is modeled after the 17th century Villa Gamberaia, a historic estate that overlooks the city of Florence, Italy.

- It's a wonderful counterpoint to our Chinese Scholar's Garden displaying very different ways of approaching nature.

Whereas our Chinese Scholar's Garden skews any kind of straight lines and symmetry, the Tuscan Garden embodies those ideals that looked upon creating form in nature - [Narrator] In all, there are 14 magnificent gardens spread across Snug Harbor's 83 acres.

While interconnected, each has its own distinct personality.

- If you want to just spend some time outdoors and you're a visitor in New York, this is a perfect place to come.

- No matter when you come on the grounds, everything looks beautiful.

To me, gardens are beautiful because one flower runs into the other.

- [Narrator] Everywhere you turn, an inviting landscape is available to you.

What was once a power plant, has become a vital ecosystem.

20 acres of state-mapped wetlands have been restored on the property.

- We get hundreds of species of migrating birds coming through there, you will probably see a heron, you will probably see a crane, you will certainly hear the Woodpeckers, the wildlife on this campus is amazing.

- [Narrator] The spirit of self-sufficiency of Sailors Snug Harbor has returned.

The working farm that once provided produce to resident Simon has been reborn as the Heritage Farm.

Established in 2011, thousands of pounds of fresh seasonal produce are grown and distributed to the local community.

- It now provides food to multiple food pantries here on Staten Island and in New York City, as well as to restaurants, it's become a community effort.

- And we have children's school trips that come here all the time and they teach them, they show them how potato grows, they show 'em how the vegetables come outta the ground, they are fascinated with this.

- [Narrator] In fact, Snug Harbor provides sustenance in many forms including entertainment and education, a testament to its commitment to the community, they offer inspiring, impactful programming.

- We hosted Juneteenth, which brought than 50 local organizations together for what we hope will be an annual celebration of black history and culture.

- It was a really beautiful thing to see so many organizations step out and come together with the understanding that this was something that was so important for them to do and have it done here on the campus.

- [Narrator] Year round, Snug Harbor fulfills its mission as a cultural center by facilitating class trips, group tours, and other important intercultural events.

- I had the pleasure of bringing my grandchildren to the Lantern Festival and to see the looks on their faces at the different colors and the different exhibits was really memorable.

- To walk through that and see the size of those dragons all lit up and, and children are in awe, they think they're in Disney world when they walk through there.

- [Narrator] A number of highly respected independent cultural institutions have a strong presence here on the campus, there's the renowned Staten Island Museum.

- My first love is the Staten Island Museum.

I am like a kid in a candy store when I walk into the archives because the things that you can uncover there just incredible.

- [Narrator] It's distinguished neighbor, the Noble Maritime Collection.

- It really brings you back to the history of not just the waterfront here in New York and on Staten Island, but also the history of Snug Harbor itself and how the snugs actually lived.

- [Narrator] And the much beloved, Staten Island Children's Museum.

- The Staten Island Children's Museum has been welcoming my kids and everybody else's kids for decades and it's a wonderful space for kids to explore.

- [Narrator] With its forward thinking spirit, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden continues to grow, upgrade, and expand.

In contemplating the needs of the community, the city of New York commissioned a master plan as a vision for the future of this historic site.

- The master plan has the ability to completely transform for the better, Snug Harbor as we know it today and drive us into a sustainable future to ensure that we are still here for my grandchildren and yours.

- [Narrator] As part of the plan, a number of capital projects are currently underway like the all encompassing renovation of the music hall.

Designed in 1892, this historic 686 seat theater is the second oldest venue of its kind in New York City after Carnegie Hall, and now, it will be ready for the future.

- We've long felt that the musical will become a place for, you know, startups that could go to Broadway, it's a place to develop young local artists.

- [Narrator] The renovation will bring significant improvements and also includes a thoroughly modern edition.

Designed by the architecture practice, Studio Joseph, it will add much needed dressing rooms and a new community space.

- We're entering into the 21st century with our music hall and we're very much looking forward to having a broad variety at performing as that come through as well as having an award-winning designed space that is there.

- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is a thriving cultural destination that is ever evolving.

Having stood the test of time and weathered many a storm, it's a place that looks ahead to its future while embracing its remarkable past.

- And because we've found a model for welcoming our community to make use of us, we will never be irrelevant, because we will always be saying what do you wanna see happen here?

Tell us what you want next.

- This is oxygen for the world, culture, creativity, gosh, they've gone on forever those things, and we have to keep them going.

[Narrator] As you exit through the gates, no matter what you saw, no matter what you did, you had an experience that you will always remember.

- Snug Harbor is a treasure because it offers almost everything that someone would want.

It offers grounds, space, fresh air, architecture from 150 years ago, it offers art, and it offers theater, it offers farming and how to farm, it's a combination of treasures and it really is a hidden gem, it truly is.

- [Announcer] Funding for this program was made possible by The Staten Island Foundation.

[gentle inspiring music]