Ford Foundation: a garden inside a building in New York

What is the Ford Foundation in New York?

• The Ford Foundation is a building on 42nd Street, steps away from the Chrysler Building, Summit One Vanderbilt, and the United Nations. This massive structure houses the headquarters of the Ford Motor Company foundation. From the outside, it looks rather austere. But inside, there’s a pleasant surprise waiting for you.
• This 12-story building opened in 1968 and reopened to the public in late 2018 after two years of renovation. The project cost over $190 million. The goal was to bring the building up to modern standards and completely redesign the interior garden—one of the first of its kind in New York.

What to See Inside the Ford Foundation

• Climb the stairs facing 42nd Street and head into the grand atrium. You’ll find yourself in the heart of a garden with 40 trees, over 1,000 shrubs, and more than 20,000 plants of all kinds. Look for climbing vines, magnolias, bougainvillea, azaleas, camellias, and ferns. The garden relies on a sophisticated system for irrigation and lighting.
• After exploring the garden, here’s a tip for a great photo of the building with the Chrysler Building and Summit One Vanderbilt in the background: cross 42nd Street and take the ramp up to the bridge that spans the street. From Tudor City Place, you’ll get a unique view of 42nd Street.

How to Get to the Ford Foundation Building