Brooklyn - Prospect Park, Grand Army Plaza

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was established in 1910 as an oasis featuring one of the most impressive Japanese gardens outside of Japan. The 52 acre garden contains more than 10,000 different kinds of plants from around the world.

To the west of Prospect Park is the upscale Park Slope neighborhood with many fine Victorian houses. One of the notable buildings on Grand Army Plaza is the Montauk Club (1890-1) by Francis H. Kimball, which is modeled after Cap D'Oro in Venice.

Prospect Park Zoo opened in 1993 after renovations updated the deteriorated Brooklyn Zoo. The three major exhibit areas feature The World of Animals, Animal Lifestyles, and Animals in Our Lives. These small collections are designed to educate and get local youngsters involved in exploratory activities.