Untermyer Gardens: A Visual Tour of This New York Landmark

From Persian-inspired canals to towering Corinthian columns, Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers is one of the most eclectic public parks in New York.

Commissioned in the early 20th century by Samuel Untermyer, a prominent Jewish lawyer, the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy incorporates elements of Islamic garden design. And that’s only part of its with a rich backstory, which we chronicle here.

If you’re planning on making your first visit or a wedding shoot, this visual guide walks you through the garden’s most iconic areas — from the Persian charbagh and walled garden to the Hudson River overlook.

The Walled Garden and Charbagh

Inspired by the charbagh — a four-part Persian-Islamic garden divided by canals — the Walled Garden is the heart of Untermyer. But unlike traditional Islamic gardens, it’s infused with Greco-Roman flourishes, from Corinthian columns to mythological reliefs.

A melting pot of different imported aesthetic traditions, Untermyer Gardens is very American.

It’s called the Walled Garden for its imposing fortress-like walls. But step inside, and the space evokes a vision of Paradise.

Inside, water channels anchor the layout, drawing the eye through geometric paths lined with flowers, towering cypress trees, and dramatic gates.

Just beyond the grand gates, two bronze sphinxes by sculptor Paul Manship perch atop tall pedestals, facing one another across a wide platform.

This space feels like a stage or proscenium, marking the dramatic entrance into the garden’s inner world. Flanked by columns and framed by mythological figures, it sets the tone for what lies ahead — part performance, part pilgrimage.

Temple of the Sky

Set on high ground, the Temple of the Sky is a circular, open-air amphitheater inspired by Roman temples.

A floor mosaic of Medusa lies at its center, surrounded by a ring of Corinthian columns. It’s both a focal point and a place to pause — part stage, part sanctuary.

The white marble columns rise cleanly against the blue sky — a gateway to the clouds.

Seasonal Blooms

Untermyer isn’t just about structure — the gardens come alive with vibrant plantings.

From hanging fuchsia and trumpet vines to water lilies and lotus blooms, every path reveals a new flourish of color. The contrast between wild growth and formal design, the deep evergreens and bold perennials, is part of the garden’s magic.

Hudson River Vistas

Of course, one of Untermyer’s greatest assets is its setting. It sits high above the east bank of the Hudson River.

The Vista — a long, symmetrical staircase lined with Japanese cedars is inspired by Italy’s Villa d’Este. It offers panoramic views of the Hudson, all the way to New Jersey’s Palisades.

At the foot of the stairs, Roman columns frame a lookout point — known as the Overlook — that’s particularly stunning at golden hour.

Temple of Love

Tucked into a rocky hillside near the lower section of Untermyer Gardens, the Temple of Love feels like something out of myth.

A winding staircase leads up through a grotto-like landscape of natural stone, waterfalls, and ornamental plantings, culminating in a small round temple crowned with an openwork iron dome.

Unlike the neoclassical grandeur of the Temple of the Sky, the Temple of Love is intimate and organic — a garden folly designed to surprise and delight. It recalls 18th-century romantic garden traditions, where structures were meant to inspire reflection, wonder, or escape.

The rushing water and steep ascent make it one of the most dramatic—and photogenic—corners of the garden.

It’s among the many spots at the gardens that are perfect for wedding shoots — but it’s a bit of a trek.

Visiting the Untermyer Park and Gardens

The Untermyer Gardens Conservancy is located at 945 North Broadway in Yonkers, New York.

The public gardens open daily at 9:00 AM. Closing times vary seasonally: 7:00 PM (May 1–September 15); 6:00 PM (September 16–November 2 & March 10–April 30); 4:30 PM (November 3–March 9).

Entry into the gardens is free. No tickets are required.

If you’re interested in holding a wedding, private event, or photo shoot at Untermyer Gardens, contact the Yonkers Parks Department at (914) 377-6450.