After you have seen the Duke Riley mural at The Battery Maritime Building, take the ferry to Governors Island. There are two other ferries to the island, but I’ve only taken the ferry from Lower Manhattan.

As you leave Manhattan behind, the quick ride to Governors Island is really pretty.

The Staten Island Ferry terminal is right next door, and while I haven’t been to Staten Island in years, it is also a fun trip to take.

Bring a bike, or rent one on Governors Island. We just walked once on the island.

There is a lot to see on Governors Island, including New York based British artist Shantell Martin’s work, Church.

“Commissioned for Governors Island, Shantell Martin’s work transforms both the exterior and interior for Our Lady Star of the Sea, a former military chapel built in 1942, with her signature black-and-white line drawings. Inspired by the Island and her research into its history, Church, her work on the facade, turns a once-abandoned and static structure into a flowing and living beacon in the Island’s Historic District.” (Governors Island)

“The interior space, The May Room, is an immersive, hand-drawn environment for gathering, contemplation and the free exchange of ideas.” (Governors Island) Although the interior was recently open to the public after 20 years, it was not open for viewing the day I was there. I did get a feel for the inside by peaking in windows, and online.

If you missed my post on Rachel Whiteread, be sure and take the time to see Cabin.