The state-of-the-art east gate entrance of the New York Botanical Garden officially opened today.

The gate is now wheelchair-accessible with a scenic view.  A bridge connects the entrance with the adjacent Allerton community.

The winding entrance is also eco-friendly. It includes compostable bathrooms, solar panels, a green roof and, soon, a family garden – where visitors can enjoy a scenic deck overlooking the Bronx River. 

Gregory Long, CEO and president of the New York Botanical Gardens, says the entrance is a step in making the location the "most accessible cultural institution in New York City." 

"We're free all day on Wednesdays, free on Saturday mornings…and now we have entrances all around. No matter where you live, you can walk right in," says Long. 

The architect's plans for the remodeled entrance won an Excellence in Design award in 2014 from the city's Design Commission. 

The east gate is also accessible by taking the No. 2 train.