The historic Orchard Beach Pavilion in the Bronx has reopened in time for summer after being shuttered for more than 17 years, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Wednesday.

Hizzoner and other city officials on May 20 unveiled the newly restored 140,000-square-foot pavilion following a $114 million makeover project on one of the Big Apple’s most famous waterfront areas. 

Officials said the project was a preservation and modernization effort for the city. Along with restoring architectural details, workers rebuilt structural elements such as roofs, columns, terracotta finishes, and metalwork on the 115-acre public beach. 

There is also expanded ADA access. New trees, more lighting and upgraded restrooms are part of the deal. 

Nature remains a key part of the Orchard Beach experience, with a nature center offering visitors a chance to learn about local wildlife through programs led by the Urban Park Rangers, exhibits and live marine displays. Along with the newly reopened ground floor of the pavilion, visitors can head to the upper balconies to enjoy views of the beach and Long Island Sound.

“No longer can the Bronx be treated as an afterthought in a city of five boroughs,” Mamdani said. “As beach season approaches, Bronxites and New Yorkers from across this city will once again be able to gather at the Bronx’s only public beach in a space worthy of this community and its history.”   

Built in 1936 with funding secured largely through the Works Progress Administration, the pavilion has been fully closed since 2009. Known for its striking columns, limestone cladding, bright blue tiles and terrazzo flooring, the pavilion was designated a landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2006. 

A new look for Orchard Beach here; food is near

New ramps make the pavilion easier for visitors to access, while renovated concession areas will ultimately bring new food, shops and upgraded infrastructure. 

“The reopening of the Orchard Beach Pavilion is an exciting investment that reflects the city’s commitment to world-class public spaces for New Yorkers to enjoy in all five boroughs,” Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson said. “We’re thankful to our partners across city government who helped restore this landmark and ensure it is accessible and open to all New Yorkers.” 

To improve accessibility, the landside entrance now includes new ramps leading to the upper level of the pavilion. On the beach side, a curved brick-clad accessible ramp connects the upper level to the lower plaza near the beach, ensuring all visitors can move through the pavilion with equitable access for the first time.   

Historic concession spaces within the pavilion are being rebuilt to accommodate new food and retail offerings, with upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for long-term resiliency. 

Officials selected Unwind Hospitality Group, who will work with local vendors, to run on-site food service and merchandise spaces. 

Concession spaces are expected to open later this summer, but New Yorkers will have to wait until 2027 for the pavilion’s restaurant space to be unveiled. 

New York City public beaches officially open for the season on Saturday, May 23.