Most people ferry to Governors Island, find a hammock and never learn that the artworks scattered across it were commissioned for those exact spots. This ninety-minute walk from Soissons Landing fixes that, connecting the season's new commissions, organized around the theme of movement, to the island's history as a military post turned public park. If you are already planning a ferry day, this gives it a spine.
What to expect
The tour departs from Soissons Landing shortly after the ferries arrive and covers ground across the island, so it is a real walk rather than a stroll. Guides stop at individual commissions and talk through the artists' intentions and the sites themselves. It runs entirely outdoors and ends with most of the afternoon left for the rest of the island.
Good to know
- Ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street and from Brooklyn's Pier 6 and Red Hook.
- The tour is free but RSVP is requested through Eventbrite, and it departs from Soissons Landing.
- It is entirely outdoors and covers real distance — wear shoes you can walk 90 minutes in.
- Bring water and sun protection; shade is patchy across the island's open lawns.
- Ferry schedules are the constraint, not the tour — check the return times before you commit.
- The South Island park area closes at dusk, so plan the rest of your visit around daylight.
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Common questions
Do I need to book the public art tour?
The tour is free, but Governors Island Arts asks visitors to RSVP in advance through Eventbrite so guides can plan group size.
How long is the tour and where does it start?
It departs from Soissons Landing, the main ferry arrival point, and runs about ninety minutes on foot across the island's public artworks.
Do I still have to pay for the ferry?
Yes. The tour itself is free, but the Governors Island ferry charges a round-trip fare, with free rides at certain early morning times and for some resident groups.
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