Alice Austen House
Discover the Legacy of Alice Austen House
The Alice Austen House, also known as Clear Comfort, is located at 2 Hylan Boulevard in the Rosebank section of Staten Island, New York City. Dating back to the 1690s or early 1700s, this house started as a modest one-room Dutch Colonial dwelling on the shores of New York Harbor.
It gained prominence as the residence of Alice Austen, a pioneering photographer, for much of her life. Austen used the second-floor closet of this house as her darkroom, where she produced over 7,000 photographs documenting the changing landscape of New York City. As one of the earliest female photographers to work beyond a studio setting, Austen’s contributions had a lasting impact on the field.
Today, the Alice Austen House operates as a museum and is affiliated with the Historic House Trust. In 2021, it received recognition from the LGBT Historic Sites project as the first New York City site dedicated to a woman.
The house is a symbol of Austen’s enduring relationship with Gertrude Tate, which lasted 53 years, with 30 of those years spent together in their beloved home.
Acknowledged for its historical significance, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a New York City Landmark in 1971. It was further honored with designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1993 and recognition as a Historic Artist Home and Studio in 2002.
The Alice Austen House stands as a testament to Austen’s pioneering spirit and lasting legacy in the realm of photography.
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12–4 PM
- Wednesday: 12–4 PM
- Thursday: 12–4 PM
- Friday: 12–4 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday (Easter): Closed
Phone: (718) 816-4506
Website: Alice Austen House
