Snug Harbor’s Chinese Scholar’s Garden, a Model of Urban Garden Design

By Céline | December 20, 2020

The Chinese Scholar’s Garden on Staten Island is a tiny gem, one of the most beautifully designed gardens I’ve ever seen. Tucked away on the grounds of Snug Harbor museum, a short bus ride from the ferry terminal to Manhattan, it is one of only two classical Chinese gardens in the U.S. The garden took a team of 40 Chinese artists and craftspeople in China to craft the components, including columns and windows, and rocks bridges and tiles, as shown below.

The rocks, tiles, window details – all were created by artisans in China and brought to the U.S.

It took six months in the U.S. to create the garden, which is based on elements of various gardens created during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The results are breathtaking.

Everywhere the viewer walks views unfold from other views.
Beautiful details in the doors and other embellishments, including calligraphy.
The koi pond, surrounded by strange rock formations.

As one walks the pathways, there are different views and aspects to be enjoyed at every turn: rocks, waterfalls, a koi-filled pond, and small intimate spaces. The garden is named after the poetry and paintings of the Chinese monks and scholars whose work was inspired by nature.

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