A Grand Tour: Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers—From Edenic Vision to Modern Restoration
Discover a landscape where Persian-inspired geometry meets classical architecture.
Garden Visit: Untermyer Gardens, Yonkers
Nestled on a bluff above the Hudson River, Untermyer Gardens is one of New York’s most evocative horticultural landscapes. A unique fusion of Indo-Persian, classical, and Mediterranean motifs, this restored public park in Yonkers unfolds like a living cross-cultural tapestry, offering history, architecture, and botany in equal measure.
A Brief History: From Mansion to Masterpiece
The story of Untermyer Gardens begins in the 19th century with the construction of Greystone Mansion, a stately granite residence built by industrialist John T. Waring in 1862. The property changed hands several times, with noted New York Governor Samuel J. Tilden among its subsequent owners. However, it was Samuel Untermyer—a prominent lawyer and civic reformer—who in 1899 purchased the 150-acre estate with a vision to create nothing less than “the finest garden in the world.”
Untermyer spared no expense, commissioning William Welles Bosworth, the Beaux-Arts-trained architect famed for his work on Kykuit (the Rockefeller estate), to transform the land. Over the next decades, a remarkable landscape blossomed: an eclectic blend of Persian gardens, Greco-Roman temples, and formal Italianate features, all punctuated by monumental architectural and horticultural statements.
- 1862: Greystone Mansion is built by John T. Waring
- 1899: Samuel Untermyer acquires the estate
- 1912: Landscape architect William Welles Bosworth begins the grand gardens project
- 1920s–30s: Untermyer opens the gardens to the public, attracting thousands of visitors
- 1940: Untermyer’s death marks the start of the garden’s decline
- 2011–present: Untermyer Gardens Conservancy leads a dramatic revitalization
The Design: Edenic Vision Meets Architectural Grandeur
Much of the Untermyer Gardens’ enduring fame lies in its multicultural landscape design. The estate’s most distinctive feature is the Persian-inspired “Walled Garden” or “charbagh”—a four-quadrant design rooted in ancient layouts meant to evoke paradise itself.
The Walled Garden: A Persian Charbagh in New York
The heart of the estate, the Walled Garden dazzles with its geometry:
- Form: A quadrilateral, echoing Indo-Persian charbagh layouts
- Water Features: Twin canals run north-south and east-west, creating a cross-axial plan and intersecting at a circular pool
- Temple of the Sky: A dramatic open-air colonnade of 14 Corinthian columns crowning the far end, framing views over the Hudson
- Mosaic Floors: A central Medusa mosaic, surrounded by pink, grey, and pale green stonework
- Plantings: Reflecting a lush, paradise-like ambiance—symbolic of peace and shared cultural inspiration
Architectural grandeur fuses with spirituality; the Walled Garden’s channels draw on Islamic traditions while the Temple of the Sky celebrates Greco-Roman ideals of beauty and contemplation. The canals, engineered with the help of Charles Wellford Leavitt, are lined with jets and decorative tiles, providing a cooling, musical presence throughout the garden’s interior.
Other Iconic Areas of the Gardens
- Temple of Love: Built atop craggy rockwork and waterfalls, this stone structure was intended as a romantic escape within the estate.
- The Sundial: An axial anchor and gathering point, surrounded by formal beds.
- Ornamental Vegetable, Rose, and Dahlia Gardens: Layers of horticultural productivity and ornamental beauty.
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Untermyer’s vision was to synthesize ancient and modern, worldly and local, in an unprecedented horticultural fantasy—a notion that subtly invoked the biblical Garden of Eden as a universal symbol of harmony and peace.
The Untermyer Era: Open Gardens, Peak Fame
During the height of its glory in the 1920s and 1930s, Untermyer Gardens was hailed as “America’s Most Spectacular Garden.” Samuel Untermyer firmly believed in public access, and regularly invited the public to tour his Edenic landscapes or attend his famous showcases of chrysanthemums and tulips.
- On peak days, up to 30,000 visitors flocked to the gardens.
- Cutting-edge horticultural techniques were developed here, with 60 greenhouses, employing 60 gardeners, and nurturing one of the country’s largest collections of rare plants.
- The gardens attracted leading artists and performers, most notably Isadora Duncan.
Adversity and Decline: The Gardens Threatened
Samuel Untermyer’s death in 1940 marked the beginning of decline. With no endowment left for upkeep, efforts were made to gift the gardens to various public entities—but all balked at the daunting cost of maintenance. The property was subsequently auctioned off, statues were removed or stolen, the mansion deteriorated, and the landscape began to return to wildness.
- 1940s-50s: Ownership problems and lack of funds led to overgrowth and neglect.
- 1946: Sixteen acres were finally secured for the City of Yonkers, preserving part of the site as public parkland.
- 1974: Untermyer Park and Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Preservation and Renaissance: The Modern Era
For decades, Untermyer Gardens languished—a shadow of its former glory, its channels dry, mosaic floors faded, and statuary missing. However, beginning with the passionate efforts of local conservationists, and with new life breathed into the project by the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy founded in 2011 by Stephen F. Byrns, the tide began to turn.
- Restoration of 43 acres—revitalizing original paths, water features, and plantings
- Historical research and recovery of architectural details
- New plantings inspired by the garden’s multicultural sources
- Vibrant public programming and tours
Today, Untermyer Gardens is once again a free public park and a hub for horticulture, architecture, and cultural programming. Visitors can explore revived Persian and Italianate gardens, attend concerts in the amphitheater, or simply stroll through meticulously restored landscapes—a living testament to ambition, resilience, and cross-cultural creativity.
The Garden Experience: Planning Your Visit
Untermyer Gardens weaves together the grandeur of its past and the energy of its revival. Key highlights for visitors include:
- The Walled Garden: Mosaic floors, intersecting canals, and breathtaking views framed by the Temple of the Sky
- The Temple of Love: Waterfall rock garden crowned by a romantic rotunda
- Vista Overlook: Sweeping panoramic views of the Hudson River from the Temple’s vantage point
- Restored Plantings: Lush displays combining Mediterranean, Indo-Persian, and native flora
- Architectural Fragments & Statuary: Restorations and thematic plantings throughout the park
Guided tours and ongoing restoration allow visitors to witness both the garden’s living history and evolving vision. The park is open to the public and hosts cultural events, concerts, and educational programs year-round.
Untermyer Gardens Versus Other Historic Hudson Valley Estates
| Feature | Untermyer Gardens | Kykuit (Rockefeller) | Wave Hill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design Influence | Persian, Indo-Persian, Greek, Roman | Beaux-Arts, Italianate, Classical | Victorian, Formal, Botanical |
| Signature Feature | Walled Garden (charbagh), Temple of the Sky | Terraced gardens, Classical statuary | Woodland, glasshouses, specialty gardens |
| Public Access | Free, open year-round | Ticketed tours | Ticketed, open year-round |
| Historic Events | Major public showings 1920s–30s | Private estate, historic family | Notable artists-in-residence |
Legacy and Meaning: Eden on the Hudson
Untermyer Gardens stands as a living symbol of cultural synthesis and peace. Its design draws from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions of paradise gardens, offering a vision of unity and harmony. Samuel Untermyer’s personal story as a reformer and philanthropist is woven directly into the land, as is his determination to share its beauty with the world—both in its original era and through contemporary revival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best time to visit Untermyer Gardens?
A: Spring and early summer offer spectacular displays of tulips, roses, and annuals, but the gardens are open year-round and offer distinct beauty in every season.
Q: Is there an admission fee to enter the gardens?
A: No, Untermyer Gardens is a free public park, though donations are welcomed to support ongoing restoration and programming.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours and educational events are available; check the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy website for schedules and details.
Q: What are some must-see architectural features?
A: Don’t miss the Walled Garden with its canals and Medusa mosaic, the Temple of the Sky, and the Temple of Love with its rotunda and waterfalls.
Q: Are the gardens accessible to people with limited mobility?
A: Many areas are accessible, but be prepared for some uneven terrain and historic steps. Contact the gardens in advance for accessibility updates.
Visitor Information
- Location: 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY
- Open: Year-round, free admission
- Parking: Limited on-site and street parking available
- Facilities: Restrooms, informational kiosks, seasonal programs
Conclusion: A Continuing Renaissance
From its grand conception as a paradise on the Hudson to its dramatic fall and inspiring rebirth, Untermyer Gardens is a testament to the enduring power of vision, artistry, and communal stewardship. As restoration continues, it stands ready to astonish new generations—inviting all to experience its unique blend of Edenic beauty, historic memory, and multicultural inspiration in every season.
References
- https://www.untermyergardens.org/uploads/2/5/8/5/25851288/history_tour_outline.pdf
- https://www.theyonkersledger.com/culture/cultivating-paradise-the-rise-of-untermyer-park-and-gardens/39651/
- https://www.untermyergardens.org/uploads/2/5/8/5/25851288/2022-brochure-blue__2_.pdf
- https://mogulesque.com/gardens/untermyer-park-and-gardens-charbagh/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Untermyer_Park_and_Gardens
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