The Visitor Center is a remarkable synthesis of architecture and landscape design, replacing a modest gate on Washington Avenue with an enticing entry into the 52-acre garden and housing interpretive exhibits and a room for orienting tour groups; a dramatic, leaf-shaped event space; an expanded store offering garden-related products and plants; and other visitor amenities. Conceived as a seamless extension of the Garden’s landscape, the sinuous glass building is embedded in an existing hillside at the Garden’s northeast corner. Composed of two linked forms that seem to appear, disappear, and change shape as the visitor moves through and around them, the building offers a new sequence of views into and through the Garden. In addition, the Visitor Center incorporates numerous environmentally sustainable features—most notably a 10,000-square-foot living roof—that are aimed toward earning LEED Gold certification.
“The Visitor Center is both an extension and elevation of the Garden’s topography, softening the transition from city to garden—and allowing us a significant new way to model how plants can fit into urban environments,” said Scot Medbury, president of Brooklyn Botanic Garden. “It enhances BBG’s ability to welcome a growing audience and continues our longstanding commitment to fostering connections with our neighboring communities.”
“This dynamic new Visitor Center will teach audiences about horticulture through cutting-edge, green infrastructure," said NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin. "The City was pleased to play a part in this public-private partnership, which will welcome even more audiences from across the five boroughs and beyond to experience the Garden's spectacular collections.”