Two Free Gardens to Explore Near Murray Hill

If you’re in the mood for a double garden experience, these two beautiful public gardens are just a few blocks apart between First and Second Avenues, near the United Nations and East River. Take a look below and consider visiting both in the same day.

1. Katharine Hepburn Garden | East 47th Street between First & Second Avenues

The garden is a quiet, naturalistic public garden located along the southern edge of Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza. It is open 7 days a week 6am- 11pm. The planted area consists of a front border bounded by a seating wall and low fence behind which lies a naturalistic garden. From the entrance gate near the park cafe, a winding pathway offers a serene walk in the woods amid the skyscrapers of midtown Manhattan. Along the pathway are stepping stones inscribed with quotes from Katharine Hepburn and plaques depicting her classic films.

The Namesake: The community dedicated the space in 1997 to legendary, four-time Academy Award-winning actress Katharine Hepburn

Community Conservation: The tribute honors Hepburn not just as a film icon, but as a longtime Turtle Bay resident who actively fought to protect neighborhood trees, green spaces, and scale back high-rise construction.

Designed by NYC Parks landscape architect George Vellonakis, the long, narrow pocket garden makes use of shade-tolerant perennials, dogwoods, and birch trees beneath preserved sycamore trees.

Personal Memorabilia: The space features a wooden park bench brought from Hepburn’s Fenwick estate in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, alongside stepping stones inscribed with “Hepburnisms” and black granite plaques depicting her classic films.

2. Ford Foundation Atrium Garden | 320 East 43rd Street

The garden is a lush, 12-story indoor public oasis. It is open Monday through Friday, 11am-6pm, and on Saturdays when the Ford Foundation Gallery has an exhibition on view. Advance registration is required by 5pm the day before your visit.

The Space: A soaring 160-foot-tall, glass-walled atrium completed in 1967 and designed by architects Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo, with original landscape design by Dan Kiley.

Plant Life: Home to nearly 40 species of lush subtropical trees, vines, shrubs, and a sensory garden with aromatic plants meant to be touched and smelled.

Water Elements: Features a tranquil central reflecting pool at its lowest level.

Design: A tiered garden layout that navigates a 13-foot grade change between the building’s 42nd and 43rd Street entrances.