On Roosevelt Island in New York City, the Smallpox Memorial Hospital is a preserved ruin designed by architect James Renwick Jr. The 100-bed hospital opened in 1856, when the island was known as Blackwell’s Island. The building is fenced off, so you cannot explore its interior, but you can view the overgrown walls from the surrounding garden and read the history markers. The garden also gives you views of Manhattan, with a quieter feel than the city streets across the river.
A hospital on Blackwell’s Island
The Smallpox Memorial Hospital was designed by architect James Renwick Jr. and opened in 1856, when Roosevelt Island was known as Blackwell’s Island. It was built as a 100-bed hospital. Its remaining walls are now an overgrown ruin, preserving a striking trace of the island’s past.
Viewing the ruins
The hospital is fenced off, so visitors cannot go inside. From the surrounding garden, you can look toward the ruins and read markers about the site. The garden also provides views of Manhattan. For a calmer visit, go early in the morning; spring and early summer bring the garden into season.
Perguntas frequentes
Can you go inside Smallpox Memorial Hospital?
No. The hospital is fenced off, so you can view the ruins from the surrounding garden.
Where is Smallpox Memorial Hospital?
It is on Roosevelt Island in New York City.
When did the hospital open?
It opened in 1856, when Roosevelt Island was known as Blackwell’s Island.
