Cyanotype is the rare craft where the sun does the work: lay leaves and stems on coated paper, wait, and the exposed field goes deep Prussian blue while everything shaded stays white. Wave Hill runs it as a drop-in Family Art Project on its Riverdale bluff, which means children get a real photographic process and adults get one of the best garden views in New York. If you have meant to make the trip up the Hudson with kids, this is the excuse.
What to expect
Head to Wave Hill House, where tables are set with coated paper and plant material and staff walk you through the exposure. The making itself is quick, so most families pair it with the gardens, the pergola overlook and a wander down toward the Hudson-facing lawn. Nobody takes a registration, so you slot in whenever you arrive.
Good to know
- The art project itself is free, but it happens inside Wave Hill, so check the garden's admission policy before you set out.
- Wave Hill House is wheelchair accessible, with a ground-level entrance and power-assist door at the front of the building.
- The ground-floor restroom is all-gender and ADA-compliant, with more ADA restrooms on the lower level via elevator.
- No registration is taken — it is drop-in, and arriving early means less waiting at the tables.
- Wave Hill runs a shuttle from the Riverdale Metro-North station and from the 1 train at 242nd Street; confirm the shuttle details on the garden's site.
- Cyanotypes need sun, so a bright day yields sharper prints than an overcast one.
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Common questions
Is it free?
The Family Art Project itself is free, but NYC Parks lists it as free with admission to the grounds, so Wave Hill's gate policy still applies. Check the garden's site for admission before you go.
Do I need to register?
No. Registration is not required — it is a drop-in session at Wave Hill House.
Is it accessible?
Yes. Wave Hill House has an accessible ground-level entrance with a power-assist door, an ADA-compliant all-gender restroom on the ground floor, and additional ADA restrooms on the lower level reached by elevator.
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