Today, the Trust for Governors Island launched a new, digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
The Bloomberg Connects app helps to expand Governors Island’s accessibility for both onsite and offsite visits through multimedia features offering insights into this unique landmark in New York Harbor (especially since they are only 40 minutes from Harlem).
“New York City is back, and we are spreading the word,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Governors Island is one of the real gems of our city, and this new digital guide on the Bloomberg Connects app will help us share this great asset and all our city has to offer with more New Yorkers and visitors.”
“We are excited to partner with Bloomberg Philanthropies to launch of this new digital guide to Governors Island,” said Clare Newman, President, and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “Island visitors far and wide will be able to deepen their experience by exploring this accessible library of information on our transformative arts and cultural programming, recreational activities and amenities, historic buildings, and more.”
The new guide features in-depth information to enrich the visitor experience on Governors Island, with sections that include popular things to do and free recreation activities along with a detailed map allowing visitors to navigate the Island during their visit. In addition, Governors Island Arts—the public arts and cultural program presented by the Trust—features heavily in the guide, with detailed sections on public art commissions dating back to 2014, information on the two dozen seasonal Organizations in Residence in Nolan Park and Colonels Row, and features on upcoming events and free programs. Visitors will also be able to further explore Governors Island’s historic buildings through the app, with a virtual exhibit on the Historic District illuminating the Island’s architectural history.
“Helping more people enjoy all that Governors Island has to offer is a continuation of the work that the Bloomberg administration began 20 years ago, working with our partners to transform an untapped treasure into one of the world’s great parks,” said Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Our Bloomberg Connects app will allow anyone with a smart phone to navigate the island, learn its history, and enjoy all the free recreational and cultural activities that are happening. There’s never been a better time to explore an island that keeps offering new reasons to visit.”
“Governors Island is one of New York City’s most dynamic and fascinating destinations—and now there is so much more to discover here, thanks to the partnership with Bloomberg Connects,” said Merritt Birnbaum, Executive Director of the Friends of Governors Island. “This new online tool brings to life the history, art, culture, recreation, and science in a convenient and accessible format that will be a terrific resource for visitors. The ability to use the map feature to enrich their experience as they navigate the public space will be a game-changer for exploration.”
The Bloomberg Connects app is available for download from Google Play or the App Store. Visitors can download and explore on-site by connecting to free Governors Island Wi-Fi.
Bloomberg Connects offers free digital guides to cultural organizations around the world. The app platform is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ longstanding commitment to supporting digital innovation in the arts. Bloomberg Connects makes it easy to access and engage with arts and culture from mobile devices when visiting in person, or anytime from anywhere. With dynamic content exclusive to each partner organization, the app provides a range of features including video, audio, and text; expert commentary; and way-finding maps. Follow Bloomberg Connects on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates on new guide launches, exhibit highlights, and more.
Governors Island has undergone a tremendous transformation over the last decade, including the creation of a resilient 43-acre park, growing arts and cultural program, year-round public access, and remarkable growth in audience. In 2003, the federal government turned over Governors Island to the city and the state, which jointly operated the Island. In 2010, NYC took sole control of Governors Island. During the Bloomberg Administration, the city invested over $250 million in the transformation and improvement of the Island’s infrastructure, including space for public art installations.
The Island is home to a diverse number of year-round tenants, including the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, the Billion Oyster Project, Shandaken Projects, Beam Center, the Institute for Public Architecture, and QC NY Spa, as well as the soon-to-open Buttermilk Labs — a new multi-tenant hub for coastal climate solutions scheduled to open in 2024.
Governors Island is open to the public Sunday through Thursday from 7 am to 6 pm. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the Island is open to the public until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Trust for Governors Island-operated ferries run daily between the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Lower Manhattan and Soissons Landing on the Island. Trust-operated ferries also serve two Brooklyn locations on weekends through September 25, 2022: Pier Six in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook. For schedules and ticketing information, visit www.govisland.org.
In addition, the Soissons Landing area on Governors Island will remain open until 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 11 pm Friday and Saturday as part of “Sunset at Soissons Landing,” a new initiative this summer that will expand evening access to Governors Island, allowing visitors to enjoy the food, drinks, and sunset views of the Soissons Landing area evenings through October 31.
Round-trip ferry tickets cost $4 for adults. Governors Island ferries are always free for children 12 and under, seniors 65 and up, residents of NYCHA, IDNYC holders, current and former military service members, and Governors Island members. Ferries before noon on Saturdays and Sundays are free for all. There is no surcharge for bicycles or strollers at any time.
NYC Ferry also serves Governors Island daily, with weekday service on the South Brooklyn route and via the summer weekend shuttle from Wall Street/Pier 11. For ticketing information and full schedules for NYC Ferry, visit www.ferry.nyc.
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 941 cities and 173 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people.
The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health.
Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world.
In 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.66 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
The Trust for Governors Island
The Trust for Governors Island is the nonprofit corporation created by the City of New York that is responsible for the redevelopment and operation of 150 acres of Governors Island.
The Trust’s mission is to realize the full potential of Governors Island for the inspiration and enjoyment of all New Yorkers, demonstrating a bold vision for public space. For more information, visit www.govisland.org
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