By Nora Moses
With hot summer days ahead, Upper West Side families have a hidden oasis to beat the heat: the terrace atop the American Museum of Natural History.
The little-known Arthur Ross terrace -– accessible via a stairway from Theodore Roosevelt Park at West 81st Street and Columbus Avenue, or through the museum galleries -– features sprinklers, trees, and shaded cafe tables, making it an ideal spot for families with young kids during the hot summer months.
“It’s a nice little hidden gem,” said Caroline, a Manhattan mom who brought her daughter to the sprinklers on Thursday. “It’s a good place to get away during the summertime.”
The sprinklers are activated seasonally, depending on the weather and temperature, Suzan Sumer, spokesperson for the AMNH, wrote to the Rag. While closed during COVID, the fountains remained on throughout the Museum’s recent construction of its new wing.
The umbrellas were added last year, Sumer said. Last Thursday, groups of people were seen enjoying lunch under the shade of these colorful umbrellas.
At least six summer interns from the museum were spotted among those having lunch in the shade. Several told the Rag that museum interns often choose to eat on the sunny terrace during their lunch break.
“It’s a really nice place outside with shade,” said Kat, a summer research intern. “I probably would not be out here without the umbrellas.”
The terrace does not allow pets, bikes, and scooters — but for neighborhood families in search of a cool, quiet spot in the city, the terrace is a welcome refuge from the heat.
Subscribe to West Side Rag’s FREE email newsletter here. And you can Support the Rag here.
I don’t think it’s unfortunate that bikes and scooters are banned. Otherwise it would be the Indy50 racetrack and not a place for solitude.
Why are you creating unnecessary drama? Where does it say it is unfortunate? It just states that that is the rule, but does not opine on that. That being said, a water area with little kids running around is not “a place for solitude.” If that is your goal, you are going to the wrong place. And kids should be able to run around and make noise and have fun, within reason. People can go for solitude elsewhere.
I do actually agree that bikes and scooters shouldn’t be allowed there. But chill out (pardon my pun).
inane
Our daughters had so much fun playing in the fountains when they were little. Glad it has reopened just in time for the summer. Also, I hope we hear more from this reporter!
I’d seen this fountain from the park and had no idea how to access it. Thanks for the info.
Yes, It’s a nice little hidden UWS local neighborhood gem indeed and let’s keep it a secret!
I go up every day with a nice book to enjoy the sounds of children in water having so much fun with the water in the background and could not ask for anything better than my book and my ice cream pop on a warm summer day.
Let’s keep it a secret!
In another life, before Covid, there was a guard up there whose life mission was to make sure that every kid was wearing a shirt. Wonder if she’s still around.