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4.5
165 votes

FDR Four Freedoms Park

1 FDR Dr, New York, New York 10044 USA

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Opens Fri 9a
  • Independent
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“Inspired by President Roosevelt speech”

Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is located on Roosevelt Island in New York City. The park, designed by architect Louis I. Kahn, is free to the public. Some speeches are so iconic that we quote them years after they were first given... and other speeches are so iconic that they get memorial parks built in their honor. It doesn't happen often, but it should come as no surprise that Franklin Delano Roosevelt is one of the lucky men who has given a speech that's that memorable. His State of the Union address in 1941, known as his "Four Freedoms" speech, is considered one of his most notable... and it couldn't have come at a better time: America knew the world was at war, and later on that year, the US would join the fight after Pearl Harbor was bombed. The best way to experience the park is to come across the Queensboro Bridge and walk south: a double row of trees frames a picture-perfect view of the city skyline (particularly the United Nations Headquarters , which Roosevelt helped found). As you walk through the 4-acre park, you'll see lush greenery and peaceful views until you reach the granite plaza. It's meant to feel like a room, or a Greek temple, that doesn't have a roof: you'll find a massive bust of FDR and quotes from the speech carved into the walls. Of course, it's all meant to facilitate thought and reflection on one of the country's greatest presidents, and as you take in the utterly impressive view of New York, you can't help but think about the freedom and beauty of the city. The park is operated in partnership with the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and offers visitors a free interactive digital educational resource, accessible on any mobile device.

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Reviewed by
Rishi.Chelminski

  • 1 Review
  • 2 Helpful
January 16, 2018
Rated

The Queensboro Bridge doesn't go to Roosevelt Island. To get to the park you can take the Roosevelt Island bridge from Queens, the Roosevelt Island Tram from Manhattan, or the F train to Roosevelt Island Station.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Tatiana Danger

  • Road Warrior
  • 1,169 Reviews
  • 910 Helpful
January 05, 2016
Rated 4.0

A gorgeous park to spend the afternoon and get out of the city.

1 person found this review helpful
  • 3 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
July 17, 2020
Rated 3.0

Nice clean and quiet park. No internet. Bathrooms are available and free. As for the old hospital it is not open to walkthrough but it is within very close proximate.

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Reviewed by
MeredithLiben

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
January 01, 2019
Rated

You can also walk in from the Queens side easily. A delightful bicycle ride (loop) is to start in Manhattan, go over the Triborough bridge (visit gorgeous Randall's Island along the way), wind down through Queens and go over to Roosevelt Island. You can put your bike on the train to get back to Manhattan if it isn't rush hour (or during rush hour if you're feeling obnoxious). Or continue on down to the Williamsburg Bridge if you're still feeling like going.

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FDR Four Freedoms Park

1 FDR Dr
New York, New York
10044 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun, Mon, Wed - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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