1 / 2National Lighthouse Museum
đ Staten Island, NY
Compact 1912 foundry building on Staten Island's waterfront with self-guided exhibits on lighthouse optics, keeper life, and harbor history. Culture Pass grants free admission. Plan one hour.
There is admission but if you use Culture Pass, it's free. It's small enough that you won't get overwhelmed or spend more than an hour there. It's a few minutes away from Staten Island ferry by foot but I had a hard time finding how to get there even with directions because of the route but that's a city planning and infrastructure issue, not a site issue. there was a small sign indicating the direction but thats only partway into the route where you have to go down a slope/steps @ the curator/site manager during the afternoon of December 21st 2025 who asked me what my favorite part was and i couldn't answer, my favorite part is the display of lighthouse models from around the US and outside the US. now i know what lighthouses can look like.
đ Family Action Verdict
Best for curious school-age kids and adults who enjoy maritime history. The compact layout means no stroller navigation nightmares and no overwhelmed toddlers. Culture Pass holders get in free. Access involves an active construction route, so check directions in advance and wear comfortable shoes.
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đŦ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews â479 Google reviews
Britney Mak
3 months ago
âThere is admission but if you use Culture Pass, it's free. It's small enough that you won't get overwhelmed or spend more than an hour there. It's a few minutes away from Staten Island ferry by foot but I had a hard time finding how to get there even with directions because of the route but that's a city planning and infrastructure issue, not a site issue. there was a small sign indicating the direction but thats only partway into the route where you have to go down a slope/steps @ the curator/site manager during the afternoon of December 21st 2025 who asked me what my favorite part was and i couldn't answer, my favorite part is the display of lighthouse models from around the US and outside the US. now i know what lighthouses can look like.â
Snocust
4 months ago
âMy sis & I visited the NLM today & we had a great experience. We've been wanting to visit for a while now & it didnt disappoint. The staff were helpful & nice. Roman gave us a tour & talked about the miniature lighthouses on display & some of the other exhibits. We learned a lot & look forward to the pending expansion.â
Emily Francisco
5 months ago
âvery small and cute, the staff is friendly but the road up to the museum is kinda spooky since it's under construction. I learned a lot and while heading back to manhattan on the ferry I was able to spot a lighthouse.â
Moishe Grunfeld
5 months ago
âIt's very small place, but very educational. Great place to learn history about different lighthouses. They're currently building a new building.â
Reviews from Google
Overview
Housed in a 1912 foundry building at Staten Island's St. George waterfront, this museum covers lighthouse optics, Fresnel lens technology, and keeper life through exhibits including Beacons Through Time and Life at the Light. Staff-led tours highlight the miniature lighthouse collection. Harbor views from Pier 1 extend to Manhattan. Group tours and seasonal lighthouse boat tours run throughout the year.
