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Washington Mews

A charming, ivy-draped private lane in Greenwich Village, Washington Mews evolved from a row of horse stables into a sanctuary for legendary artists and a picturesque corner of the NYU campus.

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Washington Mews
www.nyu.edu, og_image_www.nyu.edu

What is Washington Mews?

Washington Mews is a private gated street in Manhattan, New York City, located between Fifth Avenue and University Place just north of Washington Square Park. It is known as one of Greenwich Village's most famous and photographed historic private lanes.

Can visitors walk through Washington Mews?

Yes, although it is a private street, the gates are generally unlocked during the daytime, allowing visitors to stroll through.

What is the history of the street?

The street was originally part of a Lenape trail and later served as private farmland. It was first developed as a mews (a row of stables) for nearby homes before some stables were converted into artist studios in the early 1900s.

Who has lived or worked at Washington Mews?

Notable 20th-century artists who lived there include Paul Manship, Gaston Lachaise, and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. Painter Edward Hopper also lived there until his death in 1967.

What is the street used for today?

New York University owns the street and has used the former stables for housing, offices, and other facilities since the 1950s. It is also home to several NYU international houses.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Washington Mews is a private gated street located in Manhattan between Fifth Avenue and University Place, situated just north of Washington Square Park. Long before the skyscrapers of New York City dominated the skyline, this path was part of a Lenape trail that connected the Hudson and East Rivers. It later served as private farmland before being developed as a mews, which was a row of stables designed to service horses from nearby homes. In the early 20th century, the street transitioned from equine service to artistic inspiration. In 1916, Sailors' Snug Harbor remodeled twelve two-story stables on the north side into airy artist studios, a project designed by Maynicke & Franke. This transformation attracted a prestigious community of 20th-century creators, including Gaston Lachaise, Paul Manship, and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. The renowned painter Edward Hopper also maintained a residence here until his death in 1967. By 1949, New York University acquired the alley, and since the 1950s, the former stables have been repurposed for university housing, offices, and international houses. Today, the street is recognized as one of the last privately owned streets in New York City and remains one of the most photographed historic lanes in Greenwich Village. Visitors can still admire the original character of the street, featuring homes draped in lush ivy.

Visitor tips

  • Visit during the daytime when the gates are unlocked for public strolling.
  • Bring a camera, as this is one of the most photographed private lanes in the Village.
  • Keep noise levels low, as the buildings now serve as NYU housing and offices.

Nearby context

Located just a half-block north of Washington Square Park, Washington Mews provides a serene contrast to the bustling energy of the surrounding NYU campus and the nearby Fifth Avenue corridor.

Sources

Evidence and links