Alice Austen House

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The Alice Austen House, located in Staten Island, New York, is a historic landmark and museum that showcases the life and work of Alice Austen, a pioneering female photographer who captured life in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tourists would want to visit the Alice Austen House to learn about Alice's groundbreaking contributions to the field of photography and to gain a deeper understanding of life in New York City during her time. The house itself is also an attraction, as it is a beautifully preserved example of Victorian architecture with stunning views of New York Harbor. In addition to the historical significance of the house and its exhibits, the Alice Austen House also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including workshops, lectures, and photography exhibitions. Overall, a visit to the Alice Austen House is a unique and educational experience that offers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman and the city she documented through her art.

2 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305 Get Directions





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The Alice Austen House known affectionately as ‘Clear Comfort’ by the Austen Family will host an exhibition exploring the theme of home in the work of photographer Lora Webb Nichols in the fall of 2023. The exhibition will be curated by Nicole Jean Hill and supported by the Alice Austen House. In this virtual discussion we will view photographs from the Nichols archive and discuss the artist’s connection to home and its representation in her work. Nicole Jean Hill is an artist using photography and video to explore familiar spaces and activities within the American cultural and natural landscape. Nicole Jean Hill is the co-curator of the Lora Webb Nichols collections, housed at the American Heritage Center in Laramie, Wyoming. Lora Webb Nichols (1883-1962) created and collected approximately 24,000 negatives over the course of her lifetime in the mining town of Encampment, Wyoming. The images chronicle the domestic, social, and economic aspects of the sparsely populated frontier of south-central Wyoming throughout the early 20th century. Nicole Jean Hill has been working on preserving this archive in collaboration with Nancy Anderson since 2013, including digitizing the photographs, organizing the corresponding text, recovering the photographer’s diaries and letters, and collaborating with the Grand Encampment Museum and the American Heritage Center to secure a permanent home for the negatives. Nancy Anderson has been a teacher, librarian, and rancher and continues as a gatherer and source of stories and artifacts associated with Carbon County, Wyoming. Her home is Heap-o-livin, Encampment, Wyoming, the former home of Laura Webb Nichols. Victoria Munro is the Executive Director of the Alice Austen House, a nationally designated site of LGBTQ+ history and the only museum in America to represent the work of a solo woman photographer, Alice Austen (1866-1952). Victoria is an Art and Art History Educator, Maker and Photographic Curator. Victoria consults and speaks on LGBTQ+ curriculum development and historical and current LGBTQ+ interpretations in public and private institutions. Victoria is the Board President of the Museums Council of New York City and serves on the Executive Board of Historic Artists Homes and Studios. Lora Webb Nichols (1883-1962) created and collected approximately 24,000 negatives over the course of her lifetime in the mining town of Encampment, Wyoming. The images chronicle the domestic, social, and economic aspects of the sparsely populated frontier of south-central Wyoming. Nichols received her first camera in 1899 at the age of 16, coinciding with the rise of the region’s copper mining boom. The earliest photographs are of her immediate family, self-portraits, and landscape images of the cultivation of the region surrounding the town of Encampment. In addition to the personal imagery, the young Nichols photographed miners, industrial infrastructure, and a small town’s adjustment to a sudden, but ultimately fleeting, population increase. As early as 1906, Nichols was working for hire as a photographer for industrial documentation and family portraits, developing and printing from a darkroom she fashioned in the home she shared with her husband and their children. After the collapse of the copper industry, Nichols remained in Encampment and established the Rocky Mountain Studio, a photography and photo finishing service, to help support her family. Her commercial studio was a focal point of the town throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

The Alice Austen House hosts a virtual conversation between JEB (Joan E. Biren) and executive director Victoria Munro to discuss the process of digitizing and re-presenting her legendary The Dyke Show. From 1979 to 1984 JEB created a slideshow titled Lesbian Images in Photography: 1850-the present which she toured throughout the USA and Canada. In 2017 to mark the amendment of its national designation to include LGBTQ+ history The Alice Austen House was fortunate to host a very special gathering to experience JEB’s presentation of the Alice Austen segment of The Dyke Show. Since that incredible meeting, JEB has been a close advisor and mentor to the Alice Austen House as we embarked upon the work of centering and celebrating Austen’s lesbian identity and creating programming to support this mission. This program is one of three virtual lecture series generously funded by Humanities NY. "This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature"

The Alice Austen House is thrilled to announce it is collaborating with Ann Shelton and Denny Dimin Gallery to produce a solo exhibition in the spring of 2024. Shelton will be visiting our site for research in November when her solo exhibition will open at Denny Dimin Gallery For more than a decade, Ann Shelton has explored the micro, marginal, bleak and traumatic counter-histories of plants through her photographic and performance-based art work. Linking gender politics and the climate crisis in a critical moment, i am an old phenomenon bears even greater significance as she reinvestigates lost knowledge pertaining to plants and their relationship to female ontology through the figure of the witch. This talk is the second of a four-part speaker series on artist and historian inspiration by the Alice Austen House collections, and the series is co-sponsored by Humanities New York and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

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Alice Austen House Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to Alice Austen House

The closest subway stops to the Alice Austen House at 2 Hylan Blvd in New York City are the Stapleton and Clifton stations on the Staten Island Railway. From there, you can take a short walk or a quick taxi ride to reach the museum.

If you're coming from other parts of New York City, you can take the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan to St. George Terminal. From there, you can transfer to the Staten Island Railway and get off at either the Stapleton or Clifton stations.

To plan your subway trip and stay updated on any service changes or delays, I recommend using the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). You can visit their website at https://new.mta.info/ for real-time updates, schedules, and maps.

Enjoy your visit to the Alice Austen House and have a great time exploring Staten Island!


What's the best way to get to Alice Austen House by bus?

The closest bus stops to the Alice Austen House at 2 Hylan Blvd in New York City are:

1. Hylan Blvd/Edgewater St: This bus stop is served by the S78 and S79-SBS buses. You can check for updates and schedules for these buses on the MTA website: MTA Bus Updates.

2. Hylan Blvd/Bay St: This bus stop is served by the S51, S52, S74, S76, and S86 buses. You can find the latest information on these buses on the MTA website: MTA Bus Updates.

Please note that bus schedules and routes may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit.


How much time should I plan to spend at Alice Austen House?

The ideal length of time to plan to spend at Alice Austen House in New York City is approximately 1-2 hours. This will give you enough time to explore the historic house, admire the stunning photography collections, and take in the beautiful views of the waterfront. Additionally, there are often special exhibitions and events happening at the museum, so you may want to check their schedule to see if there's anything you don't want to miss. Keep in mind that the museum is located on Staten Island, so you'll need to factor in travel time if you're not staying in that area.


Can I bring food and drinks into Alice Austen House?

The Alice Austen House in New York City does not have a food or drink policy. However, please note that it is a museum and historic site, so it is always a good idea to be respectful of the space and its exhibits. If you plan on bringing food or drinks, it is best to consume them outside of the museum premises. There are plenty of beautiful outdoor areas nearby where you can enjoy a picnic or a snack.


Does Alice Austen House offer luggage storage?

The Alice Austen House in New York City does not have a luggage storage policy. As a historic house museum, their primary focus is on preserving and showcasing the life and work of photographer Alice Austen. While they may not have designated storage facilities for luggage, there are several options available in the city to safely store your belongings while you explore the museum and its surroundings.

One convenient option is to utilize luggage storage services offered by various companies throughout the city. These services typically provide secure storage facilities where you can leave your bags for a few hours or even a whole day. Some popular luggage storage companies in New York City include LuggageHero, Vertoe, and Schwartz Luggage Storage, among others. These services often have multiple locations near popular tourist attractions, making it easy to find a spot close to the Alice Austen House.

Another alternative is to check with your hotel or accommodation if they offer luggage storage for their guests. Many hotels provide this service, allowing you to store your bags before check-in or after check-out. Even if you are not staying at a hotel, some establishments may offer luggage storage for a small fee.

Remember to always check the specific policies and prices of any luggage storage service you consider using, as they may vary. It's also a good idea to plan ahead and make arrangements for storage to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit to the Alice Austen House and other attractions in New York City.


Is Alice Austen House a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, the Alice Austen House is a wonderful destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. Located on Staten Island, this historic house museum offers a unique glimpse into the life and work of Alice Austen, a pioneering female photographer.

While the guided tours at the Alice Austen House are primarily conducted in English, the museum provides written materials in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. These materials offer detailed information about the house, Austen's photography, and the cultural significance of her work. Additionally, the museum staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always ready to assist visitors with any questions or concerns.

The Alice Austen House also boasts stunning views of the New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline, making it a picturesque spot for photography enthusiasts. The surrounding neighborhood of Rosebank is also worth exploring, with its charming streets and waterfront parks.

So whether you're a photography enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the Alice Austen House is definitely worth a visit, even if English is not your first language.


What ages are appropriate for Alice Austen House?

The Alice Austen House in New York City is a great destination for visitors of all ages. The museum celebrates the life and work of Alice Austen, a pioneering photographer from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibits showcase her remarkable photographs and offer insights into her life and the history of New York City.

While the museum does not have a specific age restriction, it is worth noting that younger children may not fully appreciate the historical significance of the exhibits. However, older children and teenagers with an interest in photography or history can certainly find the Alice Austen House engaging and educational.

For adults, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the past and a chance to explore the beautiful grounds and gardens surrounding the house. Additionally, photography enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to learn about the techniques and equipment used by Austen during her career.

Overall, the Alice Austen House is a wonderful cultural attraction that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, but it may be most appreciated by older children, teenagers, and adults.


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