Alice Austen House

The Alice Austen House, nestled on the Staten Island waterfront, celebrates the life and work of Alice Austen (1866–1952), a pioneering American photographer whose lens captured a rapidly evolving New York at the turn of the twentieth century. From her Victorian Gothic cottage, Austen documented both the familiar world of Staten Island and the bustling streets of Manhattan, where she fearlessly photographed immigrants, working-class communities, and the city’s changing landscapes.

Over her lifetime, Austen created more than 7,000 images, offering a candid and often unconventional view of her time. She defied Victorian expectations for women, embracing pursuits that reflected her independent spirit—becoming an accomplished tennis player, an advocate for women’s cycling, a founder of the Staten Island Garden Club, and even one of the first women on Staten Island to own a car. Her work and life continue to inspire for their honesty, artistry, and refusal to conform to societal norms.

Today, the Alice Austen House functions as both a historic site and a vibrant cultural center. The museum presents rotating exhibitions of Austen’s groundbreaking photographs alongside contemporary works that explore themes of identity, community, and social change. Educational programs engage students with her art and legacy, while public events bring together diverse audiences for workshops, talks, and celebrations.

Located within a nationally landmarked park with sweeping views of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, the Alice Austen House is both a New York City and National Landmark, listed on the Register of Historic Places. It is also recognized as a National Site of LGBTQ+ History, honoring Austen’s personal life and lasting influence. Operated by the Friends of Alice Austen House in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, the museum preserves the spirit of a woman who saw the world through her own clear and uncompromising lens.