The Alice Austen House lawn runs right to the edge of the Narrows, so container ships slide past at eye level while you move through a gentle sequence. It is free, beginner-paced, and set on the grounds of a Victorian cottage that is a nationally designated site of LGBTQ+ history, home to photographer Alice Austen and Gertrude Tate. If you want a quiet start to a holiday weekend, this is the calmest hour on the island.
What to expect
Come to the waterfront lawn behind the house, where the BeYoga SI instructor runs an accessible, gentle sequence suitable for people new to yoga. The session lasts an hour with the harbor and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge filling the view. The museum grounds and its surrounding waterfront park stay open to walk afterwards.
Good to know
- Registration is required through the museum's events listing even though the class is free
- Bring your own mat or a towel; the lawn is grass and can be damp
- Parking is extremely limited on site, with only a handful of spaces, so street parking is recommended
- This is a gentle, beginner-friendly class rather than a vigorous flow
- The waterfront park around the house is free to walk before or after
- Weather dependent, so check the museum's listing if conditions look poor
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Common questions
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring a yoga mat or a thick towel. The class takes place directly on the grass lawn between the house and the water.
Is this suitable if I have never done yoga?
Yes. It is billed as gentle yoga and is led by BeYoga SI for a mixed-ability community group.
Can I visit the museum too?
The Alice Austen House museum operates its own admission separately from the free lawn class, and the surrounding waterfront park is open to the public.
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