Governors Island is a 70-hectare island in New York Harbor that was formerly a military base. In 2003, most of the island was transferred to New York City management to be opened to the public. The island had derelict buildings and infrastructure with no public use. To activate the island, the managers started public cultural programming to attract visitors and interest, with a philosophy that culture is experiential and community-focused rather than passive spectator events. This approach transformed Governors Island into a popular shared public space for New Yorkers to experience diverse cultural activities and play outdoors.

1. Creating shared public spaces
for culture and play:
Lessons learned from
Governors Island,
New York City

2. Governors Island basic facts
• 70 hectares island in the middle of New York Harbor
• Sits 244 meters from Financial District, Manhattan and
91.5 meters from Brooklyn
• Former military base, closed to public its entire history
• Accessible only by boat
• First opened to the public in 2005
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3. 3

4. • In 2003, 61 hectares of
Governors Island
transferred to New York,
now managed by The Trust
for Governors Island
• Remaining 9 hectares of
Island declared a National
Monument, managed by
the National Park Service,
Federal agency
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5. Northern half of the Island
• 37 hectare Historic
District, protected
by national and local
landmark laws
• More than 52 vacant
landmark buildings,
totaling 130,000
square meters
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6. Southern half of the Island
• 33 hectares of flat,
featureless landfill
• New park required, new
buildings and uses allowed
• Derelict buildings and
obsolete infrastructure
• Closed to public

7. The Island (in 2006)
• Residential housing and casino development
banned by deed
• Little to no credible interest from property
developers
• No public use
• Limited available public investment for
infrastructure or required park

8. Start with public use
with culture as magnet
• Activate the island
• Create desirable place for public,
developers and political leaders
• Activity instead of master plan
• Put Governors Island on the City’s map

9. What is the traditional definition
of “culture”?

10. Culture is in a Box.
Lincoln Center, New York

11. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

12. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, FL

13. Culture is for spectators.

16. Culture needs an appointment.

17. Or at least a ticket.

18. And what is the role of parks?

19. Parks are for passive recreation.

21. Or active recreation.

23. Parks may allow “programming.”

24. But how does the public
on Governors Island
define and experience culture?

25. Culture is everything.

26. Jazz.

27. Electronic dance music.

28. Art installation.

29. African drum festival.

30. Dance performance.

31. Theater.

32. Sculpture.

33. Including food.

35. New Island Festival
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They like approachable culture.

39. Which is easier outdoors.

40. Children want to play.

41. And express themselves.

42. 42
So do adults.

44. Culture can be created by anyone.

48. Including the audience.

52. Culture is social.

53. With friends.

54. Or strangers.

55. Even better together.

56. Public spaces should let you relax,

60. And alleviate stress of urban life.

61. Opera houses should as well.
Oslo Opera House, Oslo, Norway

62. Created by and for New Yorkers,

63. Governors Island is

64. shared space for art and play.
New York City’s