Chinatown and Two Bridges

Understanding Chinatown and Two Bridges

The 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue was built by Eastern European Jewish immigrants. Its restoration, and its present setting in Chinatown, make the building a useful starting point for understanding how communities have changed in the same streets. The Museum of Chinese in America supplies a different perspective through Chinese American history, art and personal experience.

The city acquired the Sara D. Roosevelt Park site in 1929 to widen Chrystie and Forsyth Streets and build low-cost housing. It instead became playgrounds and resting space, with the park dedicated in 1934. Later additions included the Golden Age Center and Wah-Mei Bird Garden.

Near Cherry, Pike and Monroe Streets, Coleman Playground occupies land that includes a former church cemetery. Its name remembers Corporal Joseph Francis Coleman, whose family lived nearby on Madison Street and who died after the First World War. The Manhattan Bridge overhead is part of the setting of today’s LES Skatepark.

Places to explore

• Museum of Chinese in America

  215 Centre Street

  Explore Chinese American history, art and personal stories. Public opening runs Wednesday through Sunday; check the current exhibitions and admission before choosing a day.

  Read the NYFE place guide

• Museum at Eldridge Street

  12 Eldridge Street

  See the restored synagogue through a self-guided visit or a docent tour. The museum describes both the building and its immigrant congregation. Saturday is a closure day; advance booking is encouraged.

  Read the NYFE place guide

• Sara D. Roosevelt Park

  Between Chrystie and Forsyth Streets

  Choose a section of this long park for an outdoor stop. Park entry does not imply access to every community garden or room.

• Coleman Playground and LES Skatepark

  Cherry, Pike and Monroe Streets

  Choose this outdoor stop for the skatepark beneath the Manhattan Bridge and the surrounding recreation space. NYC Parks lists a children's play area and sports facilities. Check the posted rules before participating.

Planning a visit

For Eldridge Street, the museum lists the F train to East Broadway. Centre Street and the long park are separate destinations; select the stop before arranging the rest of your visit.

Use each museum's booking information; contact Eldridge Street ahead for accommodations.