A Landscape Design Immersion
November 13-14, 2025
An exclusive travel opportunity for a small group of Hermann Park Conservancy’s most dedicated supporters. This New York experience, focused mainly on the vibrant Brooklyn borough, launches the Conservancy’s travel series, designed to connect our closest friends with inspiring landscapes and cultural destinations around the United States and the world. These journeys offer rare access to places and people shaping public space in extraordinary ways, while building deeper connections among fellow Conservancy friends.
Over two days, you will experience some of MVVA’s most celebrated landscapes and enjoy private moments of connection with the Conservancy’s leadership and the MVVA team.
Highlights include:
- A guided tour through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Group lunch at TimeOut Market, along the Brooklyn waterfront, featuring selections from Fortino’s, a local favorite celebrated for its Neapolitan-style pizzas and fresh Italian fare
- Insider access to Brooklyn Bridge Park, exploring the ideas and challenges behind its transformation with the people who shaped it
- Sunset cocktails and conversation with Michael Van Valkenburgh at Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
- A guided walk through Teardrop Park, where towering stonework, native plantings, and bold topography create a striking sense of wilderness carved into the city
- A guided visit through Chelsea Cove, a dynamic section of Hudson River Park that stretches along Piers 62 to 64, where sweeping lawns, restored piers, and sculptural play areas meet the water’s edge
- Exploration of Bella Abzug Park, a green oasis that reconnects the Hudson Yards district to the rest of Manhattan
- An invitation into MVVA’s Brooklyn studio for a rare look at working models, design sketches, and the creative process behind celebrated landscapes capped with refreshments and a celebratory champagne toast to close the experience
Please note: Trip activities will commence on the morning of Thursday, November 13. Participants are advised to arrive on Wednesday, November 12, to allow for a comfortable start. The itinerary remains subject to refinement and schedule adjustments.
Transportation: Participants are asked to meet the group each morning at the day’s first location. Exact meeting locations will be provided.
Group transportation will be provided:
- Thursday, November 13 between the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and TimeOut Market (lunch location)/Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- Friday, November 14 between Teardrop Park and Chelsea Cove in Manhattan.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from all other locations, including Harriet’s Rooftop and the MVVA offices, to allow flexibility during midday breaks.
Pace: Expect approximately 10,000 steps per day, with rest breaks built in.
Rain or Shine: All tours proceed regardless of weather—please plan for the elements. If the weather is hazardous, we will organize alternative sites to visit.
For accommodation suggestions and a guide for restaurants and activities around Brooklyn, see our guide.
To join the experience, please use the registration form below. The program fee supports all curated experiences and shared trip costs. Participants are asked to cover their own travel and accommodations.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
We know that life happens—if you need to cancel your participation:
- For cancellations made from October 16 to November 5, you will receive a refund minus a 50% administration fee.
- Unfortunately after November 5, no refunds will be issued.
Please contact Meghan Miller in writing at mmiller@hermannpark.org and your refund will be issued within 7 business days.