The new Visitor Center at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, designed by MBB Architects, opened to the public on June 10, 2024.

The light-filled pavilion improves the visitor experience at this former estate, now a New York State Park in Great River, New York.

According to an announcement by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, “The new 1,600 square-foot Visitor Center will educate visitors about the Cutting family and their historic 60-room, Tudor-style mansion, the landscaped grounds with wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants, and the impact of ongoing climate change on Long Island.”

Dramatically improving access to this 691-acre state park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, MBB Architects designed a new visitor center that invites guests of all ages and abilities to explore the historic landscape. Sustainable and accessible features are integral with the site planning and architecture.

The new glass pavilion is approached from the east, minimizing disruptive site work and providing an intuitive gateway to the pedestrian paths and adjacent mansion at the heart of the former Bayard Cutting Estate. MBB collaborated with Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects to maintain tree canopy and root systems while improving parking, lighting and accessibility.

Offering views of the landscape through transparent glass walls, the visitor center will present exhibits that highlight the history and horticulture of the site. Adhering to a tight budget, the design minimizes the center’s environmental footprint while maximizing its value to visitors. Peak parking load will be served by nearby grass lots to preserve green space.

Additional photography will be available in Fall 2024.