For one of my classes while researching I end up finding this gemone of my all time fav place in the island. Didn't know much about the history but still decided to go there. By the time I reached, they were already closed but I told the lady I m a student & really need to see it for my class. She said they just closed & for me she made an exception & let me in. And let me tell you how amazed I was ! This house was built at 1960s, so one of the oldest house in NYC. Who knew‍And it belongs to a lady photographer. I knew then why my teacher wanted me to come visit this place ! I got to visit this in fall & it was so worth it . Everything about it was just beautiful. And the view of the peer was beautiful too. Still didn't t able to catch a sunset yet, it should be incredible! Including some pictures I took which will help u to come visit this place . Trust me u will not regret it read more

See all

Very small museum that is off the beaten track in Staten Island. They feature the photography of Alice Austen and the house itself is historical. It's quick, so plan for something else when you go! read more

Honestly super tiny museum. Not arguing the historical significance but just not worth it for the the trip from NYC.

This small, intimate setting is a beautiful getaway from Manhattan. Alice Austen, much like many women photographers of her day, went unrecognized until her last days, and nearly died destitute. Her story, and that of her partner and family, is very interesting. I'm giving this place five stars because it is beautiful, interesting, and full of heart. The docent was also kind and very knowledgeable. I do feel like Alice could be featured more--more stories or more of her photography? Or maybe much that isn't available? What is there is still worth the hour it takes to go through the house and the tour. Also offers beautiful gardens and views of Manhattan. Right on the water with lots of walking paths. Close to Snug Harbor, so you can make a half day or day of it. I drove, but the ferry ride over could make it even more fun. Entrance fee was just over 10 dollars, so very reasonably priced. Lots of on street parking as well as a small lot in back. They do events on the lawn, many free. Right now, as of May 2021, they are doing scheduled tours with individuals or households of five or less. Not at the top of a NYC tourist list, but very worthy of a trip sometime. read more

See all

Wow, I really enjoyed this quaint museum by the water in Staten Island. Admission is suggested $3 which was truly worth more. The day I visited, they were setting up for a wedding outside. We received a tour of the museum and watched a small documentary of the infamous photographer Alice Austen. Her photography work and the history of her life was very interesting and admirable. Her open lesbian relationship depicted her tenacity to be true to herself during the Victorian era. We learned she was also one of the first women to own a car in Staten Island. The outdoor area surrounding the house museum is picturesque and very relaxing. The views of the New York Harbor were rewarding and just calming. I love waterfront areas especially where there's some seating to chill and enjoy for a while. I highly recommend this museum to check out. You can be in and out within the hour and just make sure you leave some time to enjoy the outside area, depending on the weather. read more

See all

Great spot. 1) The entry is through donation. Which is nice. 2) The museum is small, nut nice. 30 The area is also fantastic to visit. read more

Alice Austen House Museum - Inside the home - Museums Near Me - Staten Island, New York

See all

Female photographer well before her time and top of her class of the era! I sat and went through all 4 books and saw the movie. Great afternoon, will be back! read more

See all

This is a wonderful place to visit on a pleasant afternoon. The grounds are beautifully landscaped; and there's a romantic bench to sit and look out over the water, with a gorgeous view of Manhattan and Jersey City. The historic cottage that houses the museum is one of the oldest private residences in NYC (built in 1690). It's both charming to look at and interesting to go inside. There's a donation box (suggested $2 doesn't break the bank!) but entry is free. The museum is usually staffed by a friendly docent who's happy to tell you all about the photographer Alice Austen, her life and her work. The house contains a couple of rooms which have been decorated to look much as they did when Austen lived there, and a couple of rooms that house a rotating photography exhibit featuring Austen's work. It's both historically and artistically interesting. read more

See all

Located by the water on very beginning of Hylan Blvd, Alice Austen House set on beautiful green grounds. Old nostalgic house, with front porch, benches to sit on and enjoy the spectacular views. It's a small and intimate museum, couple rooms, but it is grand in spirit. Alice Austen... An artist of amazing talent, a rebel who lived ahead of her times, a pioneer with independent views. Her love for for New York and New Yorkers lives in her photography, and inspires generations of artists. Currently on exhibit is Alice's original work, "The Street Types of New York", as well as "New" exhibition of modern artists showing ever-changing portrait of the city through people. The quote on the wall says: "New York is the meeting place of the peoples, the only city where you can hardly find a typical American" - Dijana Barnes, 1916. Think about it. Still true, almost 100 years later. If you did not see it yet, go and see what our city is all about - People. New Yorkers. All different. Yet all together. read more

See all

This is definitely one of the best things to see on Staten Island. It's a little nice Victorian house with two period rooms and a nice gallery set up. I even come here just to enjoy the view, have a cup of coffee and read by the water. They host some events here and there which is nice as well. The suggested donation is only three dollars. The reason why I've given it four stars and not five is because I bought a friend here who was traveling from overseas and they really wanted to check it out but the house was closed. We were well within opening hours and I checked online and nothing was posted but yet the house was closed. Anyhow, if you're on the island you should totally check it out! read more

See all

This is a very small museum. I had the pleasure of volunteering here a few times and was lucky enough to see parts of the home that aren't open to the general public. This house has always been my most favorite place on Staten Island. There is something very magical about the property. I suggest sitting and looking through the photo albums. It's quite relaxing and enjoyable! read more

A cute little house situated on a hill overlooking the narrows in lower ny bay. Alice lived and worked here over 100 years ago photographing ships coming and going in the bay. Her photos survive along with her Victorian furniture. The house is used in the summer for events from lectures to recitals it's also rented out to weddings and events. a nice little museum with an adjoining park (Buono) which was damaged by sandy (hurricane ). And remains closed. The adjoining beach is used by fishermen. If you enjoy history come here. read more

Love the old Victorian vibe and I love the yoga they're doing throughout the summer on Saturday mornings. You have a great view of BK, Manhattan, and Jersey. Just beware of mulberries falling all the while. read more

See all

I performed a wedding here. I got there early to check the place out. It was nice and had a nice view. It does have a bathroom and you could host a wedding here. It's not that big but of you have a small wedding it will be perfect. Plenty of street parking and the staff will take care of everything from showing you around to chasing the people away in the public park. read more

Alice Austen House Museum - Museums Near Me - Staten Island, New York

See all

I had the pleasure to work here for my work study program. I am beyond thankful to meet the Director Annmarie along with amazing co-workers Shiloh, Kate and Imara. I have worked along side Imara when it came down to the educational photography programs and gained excellent experience. Everyone at Alice Austen is educated, kind, passionate and informative. There are excellent opportunities and the view the museum has is phenominal by the water. It's a rather small museum, but it really makes you think more. It's definetly a vintage spot and also appeared numerous times on NY1 News. read more

There is nothing like going into someone's house, especially when they died 60, 70 years ago, and the insides have been kept intact. Nothing fancy about this operation - it is cinema veritas, all the clutter, it's right there, not toooo curated. Yes, she was a big dyke and all that and she had a trust fund but that's beside the point because Alice Austen was a true artist. Only a true artist would go through the inconvenience of taking a gynormous 8 x 10 view camera on ferries to Manhattan and take painstaking pictures of "the people." If you know what a pain it was to mix your own emulsion and prepare your own negatives, then you know what I mean. If she were more into self promotion, she is on the level of Jacob Riis or August Sander. I suppose she was too genteel to sell her ideas. This house is inconveniently located but is completely worthwhile. read more

If I don't like your vibe then I don't like you...the person who work there didn't seem like she didn't like her job very much... No smiles or patients....huh...three bucks to check this museum out...is it worth it?!? I think Iv been to better museums...but I think it's a cute little home... Very unique...enjoyed the views ...the area smelled a little since its located next to this nasty ass beach...but you can't beat the amazing views...parking is behind the museum...it's so hidden that I didn't even notice the parking lot until I was done viewing the museum... read more

I live around the corner from The Alice Austin House. I never knew anything about this house or Alice Austin before finally paying a visit last week. It was very interesting to learn about Alice Austin and the history of the house. The property is set on a beautiful location at the beginning of Hylan Blvd overlooking the NYC skyline. I've also seen quite a few weddings take place here as well. All in all this a beautiful place with so much history! And if your into photography, you'll be happy to know that Alice Austin was a photographer herself, and the property is an AMAZING place to shoot some great pics! read more

My sister got married here-it was beautiful. She couldn't have picked a better spot!

Fantastic little museum. Worth the trip out for an Alice Austen fan. Decor is true to her time and lots of photos displayed. You can even see her darkroom! They also have contemporary photo exhibits and lots of reading material on photography. The yard is right on the water and huge. Great views of lower Manhattan. Would suggest bringing a picnic! If coming from Manhattan, take the ferry, then the train to Clifton stop and it's about a .5 mile walk. read more

See all

I enjoyed visiting the Alice Austen House. You do need a car to get around Staten Island if you plan on visiting. There's a small parking lot. It's the house on the end (it's a bit hard to tell when you go down the street). It has a beautiful view on the water. The house itself is interesting, but I also loved Alice's photography. It's wonderful to see a woman photographer at the time and what her perspective was. Very interesting. They also have a modern photography exhibit. read more

We had our wedding (morning ceremony and brunch reception) at the Alice Austen House grounds in May 2015. It couldn't have been a more perfect choice! We picked it because we love history, old buildings, and because it felt like an oasis that is still so close to the city. We had guests posting on facebook that it was the best wedding venue they had ever been to, and every one of our photos has a different, beautiful backdrop. We had perfect weather, no need for a tent, and the views of the bridge and city were just stunning. Also - a huge thanks to the staff at Alice Austen, who were helpful, responsive and friendly through the entire planning process. They helped us nail down the date, answered many many questions, and also rescued us the night before the wedding when we had a last minute mini-disaster and no place for the bridal party to change before the ceremony. The Alice Austen staff answered my panicked phone calls, provided us with a great alternative and really saved the day! We will always have great memories and so many beautiful photos from our wedding day... I wouldn't have done anything different! read more

What a lovely place to visit. Wonderful photos on the walls and an excellent view of the Harbor, So very calm at the water.

Let me point out that I am a native Staten islander. This property is a treasure. Not only for early life on the island, but mostly for a fact that isn't outwardly spoken to the visitors of Alice Austen house. Alice Austen was a courageous, independent Lesbian. While her partner Gertrude is mentioned in passing, it should be noted, finally, that they shared over 30 years together in a committed relationship. Not an insignificant part of who she was, Alice documented lesbian life in the Victorian era as seen in her stunning photographs of woman in masculine clothing. As an important part of American LGBT history, it should be explained that women in that era were forced to play gender roles and had to dress those roles to fit in. Meanwhile they did not fit in. Alice Austen was a pioneer and a brave individual who lived her life openly in a time when it was a risk to her own life to be who she was. Especially being a lesbian of high society in the small town of Staten Island. I admire her work, and I especially admire her courage and strength to be herself as she lived with the love of her life no matter what was "expected" of her. She is a historic person that everyone should openly recognize for who she was (the Whitney museum recently held discussion about her life and work as a lesbian woman). You go, Alice!!!! Thank you for paving the way! read more

really pretty place to visit, but don't try to have your wedding or event here - the director was rude & unprofessional, doesn't seem worth the stress of having people come out to the island if it isn't going to be a good experience from the beginning! just my 2 cents... read more