What’s Open at KMC New York

Updated February 14, 2022: 
At this time, we are still asking guests and residents to wear a face covering or mask in indoor public spaces, except once seated in the Temple or when actively eating or drink in cafe or dining room.  Further details below:
  • When wearing a mask or face covering, we ask that it fully covers your nose and mouth. 
  • We are asking all residents and guests to wear masks in all common areas of the houses and center buildings. 
  • When entering the Temple, World Peace Cafe, and Shop, everyone should wear a mask. In the cafe, please take off your mask to eat or drink only; please wear it when you are not actively eating or drinking. As of February 18, in the meditation room, you may take your mask off once you are seated; please put it back on when you get up to leave.
  • Please refrain from chanting prayers out loud.
  • Volunteers who are serving food in the dining room or helping in the cafe and shop should wear masks.
  • In the dining room, please wear your mask, even while seated, unless you are actively eating or drinking.
  • In the interest of the safety of everyone who attends, we are requiring that individuals staying in a dorm or shared room be fully vaccinated because social distancing and face coverings are not possible in these types of accommodation.  Full vaccination means your stay onsite in a dorm or shared room must be at least 2 weeks after receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) or at least 2 weeks after receipt of the single dose of the Janssen vaccine.  Proof of full vaccination will be required for your stay in a dorm or shared room.  Those who are unvaccinated can book single or deluxe rooms onsite. Please note: by booking by one of these rooms, you are choosing to stay in a room with someone you do not know.
  • During the winter retreats, we are requiring all guests attending onsite to take a COVID test before they arrive; this includes a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or a rapid test (including at home tests) within 6 hours of arrival.  More details will be included in your confirmation, but feel free to call the office if you have any questions.

Winter Retreats: January 7-March 17
We have limited open hours during the winter retreats:

World Peace Cafe & Gift Shop
Friday to Wednesday: 1:30-4:00pm
*Hour subject to change due to special events; please check our online calendar to confirm hours

Enjoy an espresso drink or tea, baked good or snack from our World Peace Cafe.  Indoor and outdoor seating available, as well as takeout. For full menu and more information, please visit our World Peace Cafe page.

Grounds & Nature Trails
Open Everyday 9am-Dusk

Our grounds include tranquil spots to sit and contemplate in nature, photo-worthy views of the World Peace Temple, and short nature trails in the woodlands. 

Please be careful on our trails, especially in snowy conditions. The trails are rugged–wear proper footwear and be mindful of the trail markers. 

Classes – January 7-March 17 All Classes are LIVESTREAM only
Our Sunday, Monday and Wednesday meditation classes are livestream at this time due to teh winter retreats. More Information

Visitor Guidelines
Visitors are asked to refrain from entering if, over the last 14 days, they have had symptoms of or tested positive with COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.

  • Be considerate of fellow visitors and volunteers
  • In the interest of the safety of everyone who attends, we are requiring that individuals staying in a dorm or shared room be fully vaccinated because social distancing and face coverings are not possible in these types of accommodation.  Full vaccination means your stay onsite in a dorm or shared room must be at least 2 weeks after receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) or at least 2 weeks after receipt of the single dose of the Janssen vaccine.  Proof of full vaccination will be required for your stay in a dorm or shared room.  Those who are unvaccinated can book single or deluxe rooms onsite. Please note: by booking by one of these rooms, you are choosing to stay in a room with someone you do not know.

What Other Measures is KMC New York Implementing?

  • Enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces throughout the day following CDC guidelines
  • Hand sanitizer is available at various places
  • KMC New York will work closely with local and state authorities to provide contact information as required for contact tracing

In the interest of your personal safety and the community’s health, KMC New York requires that all visitors observe the precautions listed above at KMC New York. We reserve the right to request that visitors who are not following these guidelines leave the premises. 

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. By visiting KMC New York, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.