Hours | Cost | About | Events | Directions | History | Permits & Rentals | Beat Cave | School Groups | Contact

Hours

May & June 2013
Thursdays – Fridays & holidays: 12 – 4 p.m.
Closed Thursday, May 16 & Friday, May 17
Open Monday, May 27

Cost

Free.
 

About the Audubon Center at the Boathouse

The Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to wildlife preservation and natural education, located inside an historic New York City Landmark. Surrounded by interpretive nature trails in acres of carefully restored natural habitat, the Audubon Center also houses the Park’s Visitor Center, with an information desk, a cafe, and interactive exhibits. The second floor houses the Con Edison Discover Nature Theater and the Verizon Learning Lab, home to various live animals, changing exhibits and a beautiful balcony overlooking the Lullwater. Downstairs you can climb into a human-sized bird nest, see life from a bird’s eye view, and explore the lives of insects.

The Audubon Center is the result of a trailblazing partnership between the Prospect Park Alliance and Audubon New York. The first urban-area Audubon Center in the nation, it is a place of active discovery with hands-on exhibits and innovative programming for children and adults. Exhibits allow visitors to explore the world of nature through interactive technology, using the Park’s diverse natural habitat as a venue for learning and fun.

The Boathouse is the focal point for one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Park, with a lavish green canopy enclosing waterfalls, serpentine paths, and carved bridges. The design of this 1905 Beaux Arts structure was inspired by the architecture of a 16th century Venetian library, complete with elegant arches, decorative tiles, and classical balcony.  Read why it's been called "...one of the ten best buildings in Brooklyn."

In the early 20th century, boating along the serene surface of the Lullwater was a favorite pastime of Park visitors, and the Boathouse added to the natural beauty of the Park’s watercourse. After undergoing years of much-needed restoration, it reopened in spring 2002 as host to the Prospect Park Audubon Center. The Camperdown Elm, made famous by poet Marianne Moore, is also located next to the Boathouse.

Click here to learn about the history of Boathouse and Audubon Center.
 

School Groups 

Groups can visit the Prospect Park Audubon Center or Lefferts Historic House during public hours or by making an appointment. Call (718) 287-3400 x 303 for the Audubon Center and (718) 789-2822 x301 for Lefferts Historic House.

Permits & Rentals

The Boathouse is available for rental for private events. Click here or call (646) 393-9031 x2 for more information.

Directions

The Audubon Center at the Boathouse is located inside the Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance. Walk along the roadway, cross the Drive and continue following the path downhill through the Cleft Ridge Span Bridge.

By Public Transportation: MTA Maps
• Q, S or B Train to Prospect Park station
• B16 or B43 Bus to Ocean Avenue and Empire Boulevard
• B41 Bus to Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard

By Car:
From Manhattan: From the Manhattan Bridge take Flatbush Avenue to Grand Army Plaza. Go halfway around the circle and continue on Flatbush Avenue (the Brooklyn Public Library will be on your left and the Park on your right). After you pass the Zoo and the Lefferts Historic House on your right, make a right hand turn at the traffic light at Ocean Avenue. Follow Ocean Avenue to Lincoln Road.

From Queens & Long Island: From the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, exit at Tillary Street and turn left onto Flatbush Avenue. Then follow the directions from Manhattan.

From Staten Island:
• From the Verrazano Bridge follow the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, exit at Atlantic Avenue, making right onto Flatbush Avenue. Then follow the directions from Manhattan.

• Or, follow the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to the Prospect Expressway, exit at 11th Avenue. Make a left on 11th Avenue. Make a right on Prospect Park Southwest to Park Circle. Go three-fourths around the circle and continue on Parkside Avenue. Make a left on Ocean Avenue to Lincoln Road.

Zip code for geo-mapping: 11225

Contact

Prospect Park Audubon Center (718) 287-3400