Central Park

Sculpture by Chinatsu Ban in Doris C. Freedman Plaza, on the edge of Central Park at 60th Street and 5th Avenue, which was on view from April 8 - August 29, 2005

The resplendent gold-leaf General William Tecumseh Sherman Statue at Grand Army Plaza was the last major work of distinguished American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and won a Grand Prix at the Paris Exposition of 1900. text from: www.nyc-architecture.com/CP/cp023.htm

The resplendent gold-leaf General William Tecumseh Sherman Statue at Grand Army Plaza was the last major work of distinguished American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and won a Grand Prix at the Paris Exposition of 1900. text from: www.nyc-architecture.com/CP/cp023.htm

Sculptor: Attilio Picarelli (1866-1945) Date: 1901-1913; Placed in the Park: 1913 Donor: Gift of the National Maine Monument Fund Committee Material: Marble, gilded bronze The Maine Monument stands at the entrance to the Park at Merchants' Gate, named by the Commissioners of Central Park in 1862 to honor commerce and business professions for their important contribution to New York City. The monument commemorates the 260 American sailors who perished when the battleship Maine exploded in the harbor of Havana, Cuba, then under Spanish rule. It is still unclear what caused the explosion on February 15, 1898, but Spain declared war on the United States by April 1898. The treaty, which ended the war in December 1898, freed Cuba from Spanish dominion, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam, and surrendered the Philippines to the United States. Four days after the Maine went down, newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst's New York Morning Journal called for a public collection for a monument to honor the sailors. Over the course of several years, the newspaper received large monetary gifts as well as thousands of dollars in pennies collected from schoolchildren. Text from: www.centralparknyc.org/virtualpark/southend/mainemonument

Sculptor: Attilio Picarelli (1866-1945) Date: 1901-1913; Placed in the Park: 1913 Donor: Gift of the National Maine Monument Fund Committee Material: Marble, gilded bronze The Maine Monument stands at the entrance to the Park at Merchants' Gate, named by the Commissioners of Central Park in 1862 to honor commerce and business professions for their important contribution to New York City. The monument commemorates the 260 American sailors who perished when the battleship Maine exploded in the harbor of Havana, Cuba, then under Spanish rule. It is still unclear what caused the explosion on February 15, 1898, but Spain declared war on the United States by April 1898. The treaty, which ended the war in December 1898, freed Cuba from Spanish dominion, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam, and surrendered the Philippines to the United States. Four days after the Maine went down, newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst's New York Morning Journal called for a public collection for a monument to honor the sailors. Over the course of several years, the newspaper received large monetary gifts as well as thousands of dollars in pennies collected from schoolchildren. Text from: www.centralparknyc.org/virtualpark/southend/mainemonument

Sculptor: Attilio Picarelli (1866-1945) Date: 1901-1913; Placed in the Park: 1913 Donor: Gift of the National Maine Monument Fund Committee Material: Marble, gilded bronze The Maine Monument stands at the entrance to the Park at Merchants' Gate, named by the Commissioners of Central Park in 1862 to honor commerce and business professions for their important contribution to New York City. The monument commemorates the 260 American sailors who perished when the battleship Maine exploded in the harbor of Havana, Cuba, then under Spanish rule. It is still unclear what caused the explosion on February 15, 1898, but Spain declared war on the United States by April 1898. The treaty, which ended the war in December 1898, freed Cuba from Spanish dominion, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam, and surrendered the Philippines to the United States. Four days after the Maine went down, newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst's New York Morning Journal called for a public collection for a monument to honor the sailors. Over the course of several years, the newspaper received large monetary gifts as well as thousands of dollars in pennies collected from schoolchildren. Text from: www.centralparknyc.org/virtualpark/southend/mainemonument

Wollman Rink Wollman Rink was built in 1949 when Kate Wollman donated $600,000 for it's construction. In the early 1990's, it was purchased and is now run by Donald Trump. It has been a success from the day it opened - over 300,000 skaters glided across the ice in its first year of operation. In use the year round the summer months find hundreds of in-line skaters taking lessons or perfecting more advanced skills. Ice skating in Central Park is easily one of the most picturesque activities to be enjoyed on a winter’s night. Unlike the somewhat overwhelming confines of the Rockefeller Center rink you can actually see stars at the Wollman rinks. Feel the cold tingle of New York's crisp winter air, listen to the music, and take in the incomparable surroundings as you glide (gracefully or not so) around the rink. Thirty years ago Wollman rink was also the site of a very popular music series. Beginning in 1967 and through the early 70's, the F & M Schaefer Brewing Co. sponsored Concerts in Central Park. The concerts offered something for everyone. At $2.00 for first come/first serve orchestra seats, the shows were popular and usually sold out. Hundreds would spend the day on line at the Wollman Rink to socialize and get the best seats. Some of the acts to appear there included Bruce Springsteen, The Allman Brothers, Dave Brubeck, The Byrds and Billy Joel. Sadly, pressure from the neighborhood eventually forced the shows to the west side Piers and much of the appeal was gone. In the Summer Wollman Rink is the site of Victorian Gardens amusement park Since its construction Wollman rink has been one of Central Park’s most popular attractions and more than 4,000 skaters use it daily. Location: East Side between 62nd and 63rd Streets Details: * Ice Skating November through March * Skate Rental and Lockers available * Lessons available Text from: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/wollman-rink.html

Wollman Rink Wollman Rink was built in 1949 when Kate Wollman donated $600,000 for it's construction. In the early 1990's, it was purchased and is now run by Donald Trump. It has been a success from the day it opened - over 300,000 skaters glided across the ice in its first year of operation. In use the year round the summer months find hundreds of in-line skaters taking lessons or perfecting more advanced skills. Ice skating in Central Park is easily one of the most picturesque activities to be enjoyed on a winter’s night. Unlike the somewhat overwhelming confines of the Rockefeller Center rink you can actually see stars at the Wollman rinks. Feel the cold tingle of New York's crisp winter air, listen to the music, and take in the incomparable surroundings as you glide (gracefully or not so) around the rink. Thirty years ago Wollman rink was also the site of a very popular music series. Beginning in 1967 and through the early 70's, the F & M Schaefer Brewing Co. sponsored Concerts in Central Park. The concerts offered something for everyone. At $2.00 for first come/first serve orchestra seats, the shows were popular and usually sold out. Hundreds would spend the day on line at the Wollman Rink to socialize and get the best seats. Some of the acts to appear there included Bruce Springsteen, The Allman Brothers, Dave Brubeck, The Byrds and Billy Joel. Sadly, pressure from the neighborhood eventually forced the shows to the west side Piers and much of the appeal was gone. In the Summer Wollman Rink is the site of Victorian Gardens amusement park Since its construction Wollman rink has been one of Central Park’s most popular attractions and more than 4,000 skaters use it daily. Location: East Side between 62nd and 63rd Streets Details: * Ice Skating November through March * Skate Rental and Lockers available * Lessons available Text from: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/wollman-rink.html

Dairy At its inception the southern portion of Central Park was considered by designers Olmsted and Vaux as the Children’s District. This was because it was the first area of the park that would be reached by families traveling from the heart of the city, most of which lay below 38th St. at the time. One critical need of children at the time was for fresh milk, a series of scandals, as well as cholera outbreaks, having placed the dairy production of the city under a cloud of suspicion. To satisfy this need and provide a place where families could find a ready supply of fresh milk when traveling to the park the dairy was built. The building itself, designed by Vaux and erected in 1870, is a whimsical combination of architectural styles that has been characterized as Victorian Gothic. Half of the Dairy consists of a roofed open gallery, or loggia, made of wood with geometric gingerbread borders. The other half is a granite structure with window treatments and gambrel roof that resembles nothing so much as a country church. The loggia was designed to catch the cool summer breezes that blew across the Pond and to retain as much warmth from the winter sunlight as was possible. When it was built the dairy was designed to provide a view of the Pond, but now it gives visitors a lovely view of Wollman Rink, framed by the skyscrapers behind. The Dairy today serves as a general visitor center with information on the design of Central Park, as well as current park events and programs. A new feature is an interactive touch-screen kiosk providing general information about the park. It was specially designed with children in mind, but the information is valuable to all. In addition, The Dairy serves as the official Central Park gift store with maps, guides, history books, and a line of mugs, key chains, T-shirts, and caps especially designed for the Central Park Conservancy. Location: Mid Park at 65th St. Hours: 10am-5pm Tuesday through Sunday (212) 794-6564 Text from: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/dairy.html

Dairy At its inception the southern portion of Central Park was considered by designers Olmsted and Vaux as the Children’s District. This was because it was the first area of the park that would be reached by families traveling from the heart of the city, most of which lay below 38th St. at the time. One critical need of children at the time was for fresh milk, a series of scandals, as well as cholera outbreaks, having placed the dairy production of the city under a cloud of suspicion. To satisfy this need and provide a place where families could find a ready supply of fresh milk when traveling to the park the dairy was built. The building itself, designed by Vaux and erected in 1870, is a whimsical combination of architectural styles that has been characterized as Victorian Gothic. Half of the Dairy consists of a roofed open gallery, or loggia, made of wood with geometric gingerbread borders. The other half is a granite structure with window treatments and gambrel roof that resembles nothing so much as a country church. The loggia was designed to catch the cool summer breezes that blew across the Pond and to retain as much warmth from the winter sunlight as was possible. When it was built the dairy was designed to provide a view of the Pond, but now it gives visitors a lovely view of Wollman Rink, framed by the skyscrapers behind. The Dairy today serves as a general visitor center with information on the design of Central Park, as well as current park events and programs. A new feature is an interactive touch-screen kiosk providing general information about the park. It was specially designed with children in mind, but the information is valuable to all. In addition, The Dairy serves as the official Central Park gift store with maps, guides, history books, and a line of mugs, key chains, T-shirts, and caps especially designed for the Central Park Conservancy. Location: Mid Park at 65th St. Hours: 10am-5pm Tuesday through Sunday (212) 794-6564 Text from: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/dairy.html

Dairy At its inception the southern portion of Central Park was considered by designers Olmsted and Vaux as the Children’s District. This was because it was the first area of the park that would be reached by families traveling from the heart of the city, most of which lay below 38th St. at the time. One critical need of children at the time was for fresh milk, a series of scandals, as well as cholera outbreaks, having placed the dairy production of the city under a cloud of suspicion. To satisfy this need and provide a place where families could find a ready supply of fresh milk when traveling to the park the dairy was built. The building itself, designed by Vaux and erected in 1870, is a whimsical combination of architectural styles that has been characterized as Victorian Gothic. Half of the Dairy consists of a roofed open gallery, or loggia, made of wood with geometric gingerbread borders. The other half is a granite structure with window treatments and gambrel roof that resembles nothing so much as a country church. The loggia was designed to catch the cool summer breezes that blew across the Pond and to retain as much warmth from the winter sunlight as was possible. When it was built the dairy was designed to provide a view of the Pond, but now it gives visitors a lovely view of Wollman Rink, framed by the skyscrapers behind. The Dairy today serves as a general visitor center with information on the design of Central Park, as well as current park events and programs. A new feature is an interactive touch-screen kiosk providing general information about the park. It was specially designed with children in mind, but the information is valuable to all. In addition, The Dairy serves as the official Central Park gift store with maps, guides, history books, and a line of mugs, key chains, T-shirts, and caps especially designed for the Central Park Conservancy. Location: Mid Park at 65th St. Hours: 10am-5pm Tuesday through Sunday (212) 794-6564 Text from: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/dairy.html

A carousel had been in operation at Central Park since 1871. The original carousel was powered by a blind horse and mule. The current carousel was manufactured by the Stein & Goldstien Company of Brookyln, for a trolley terminal outside Coney Island. The carousel was moved to its present location when a fire destroyed the previous one in the in the fall of 1950. This carousel features the largest hand carved figures ever constructed. The outside horses are 3/4 the size of an actual horse, A Ruth Sohn band organ playing Wurlitzer 150 music roUs provides the music and is original to the carousel. To this day the carousel and its figures are hand painted. Text from: www.centralparkcarousel.com/

A carousel had been in operation at Central Park since 1871. The original carousel was powered by a blind horse and mule. The current carousel was manufactured by the Stein & Goldstien Company of Brookyln, for a trolley terminal outside Coney Island. The carousel was moved to its present location when a fire destroyed the previous one in the in the fall of 1950. This carousel features the largest hand carved figures ever constructed. The outside horses are 3/4 the size of an actual horse, A Ruth Sohn band organ playing Wurlitzer 150 music roUs provides the music and is original to the carousel. To this day the carousel and its figures are hand painted. Text from: www.centralparkcarousel.com/

Mall Designed by Vaux and Olmsted as a “grand promenade” the mall joins with Bethesda Terrace, both geographically and stylistically, to fulfill the park’s need for a place that offered visitors a chance to socialize; an alternative to the secluded paths and solitary walks that populate so much of the terrain. The forty foot wide Mall, flanked by its majestic rows of American Elms, provides the perfect place for a leisurely stroll in any season. One can easily imagine the scene a century ago, women with parasols and men in top hats perambulating towards the Concert Ground that stood adjacent to its northern end. Now you are more likely to find skateboards than waistcoats, but the effect is still the same and even the visitors on wheels are apt to slow down just a bit and admire the cathedral-like ambience. The southern end of the Mall features an area known as Literary Walk that is populated with a series of sculptures depicting popular literary figures. Other personalities represented along The Mall include Christopher Columbus, Victor Herbert, and Ludwig van Beethoven. Another celebrated sculpture residing the Mall area is Christopher Fratin's "Eagles and Prey" depicting two birds of prey attacking a goat. A number of critics of the years have suggested that tableau was not exactly in keeping with the pastoral setting and peaceful nature of the park itself. Makes you wonder how the goat felt. In the spring The Mall offers a lovely vista as you walked along the sun dappled pavement, the bright new foliage offering a latticework light green leaves overhead. In the summer the leaf bedecked trees offer a cool and shady respite from the bright skies above. The Autumn offers the view of Crayola colored leaves wafting gracefully through the crisp air and even in winter The Mall provides a striking panorama of bare branches etched against the pale sky above. Just as most its neighbors along Fifth the Park is no slouch when it comes to dressing for the occasion. Location: Mid-Park from 66th to 72nd Streets Text from: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/mall.html

Mall Designed by Vaux and Olmsted as a “grand promenade” the mall joins with Bethesda Terrace, both geographically and stylistically, to fulfill the park’s need for a place that offered visitors a chance to socialize; an alternative to the secluded paths and solitary walks that populate so much of the terrain. The forty foot wide Mall, flanked by its majestic rows of American Elms, provides the perfect place for a leisurely stroll in any season. One can easily imagine the scene a century ago, women with parasols and men in top hats perambulating towards the Concert Ground that stood adjacent to its northern end. Now you are more likely to find skateboards than waistcoats, but the effect is still the same and even the visitors on wheels are apt to slow down just a bit and admire the cathedral-like ambience. The southern end of the Mall features an area known as Literary Walk that is populated with a series of sculptures depicting popular literary figures. Other personalities represented along The Mall include Christopher Columbus, Victor Herbert, and Ludwig van Beethoven. Another celebrated sculpture residing the Mall area is Christopher Fratin's "Eagles and Prey" depicting two birds of prey attacking a goat. A number of critics of the years have suggested that tableau was not exactly in keeping with the pastoral setting and peaceful nature of the park itself. Makes you wonder how the goat felt. In the spring The Mall offers a lovely vista as you walked along the sun dappled pavement, the bright new foliage offering a latticework light green leaves overhead. In the summer the leaf bedecked trees offer a cool and shady respite from the bright skies above. The Autumn offers the view of Crayola colored leaves wafting gracefully through the crisp air and even in winter The Mall provides a striking panorama of bare branches etched against the pale sky above. Just as most its neighbors along Fifth the Park is no slouch when it comes to dressing for the occasion. Location: Mid-Park from 66th to 72nd Streets Text from: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/mall.html

Bethesda Terrace The richly-ornamented Bethesda Terrace overlooks the Lake and as well as the wooded shores of the Ramble. It also overlooks the Bethesda Fountain and it's sculpture, Angel of Waters, which was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1873. Traditionally the 'Heart of the Park' Bethesda Terrace is one of the best places in the Park for people-watching. It is also easily the most photographed with early morning fashion shoots a regular occurrence and film crews visiting on an almost weekly basis. Entry to the Terrace is by way of the drive at 72nd St. or the Mall and one of the most picturesque walks through the park is along the Mall, beneath the green canopy of overhanging trees, ending with a view of the Fountain and Lake beyond. As part of their Greensward Plan for Central Park Olmsted and Vaux were conscious of the fact that besides being a place to experience nature away from the urban sprawl the park also had to provide a place where people could gather. They needed to create a center for socializing, for people to see and be seen, Bethesda Terrace is that place. The split level Terrace also features elaborate ornamentation designed by Jacob Wrey Mould. This includes the two stone staircases that lead from the upper level to the Bethesda Fountain plaza and the Minton tiles that line the arcade ceiling. Mould is also responsible for the building several other park icons, including the original sheepfold that houses Tavern on the Green, but the Terrace, with its elaborate balustrades and sculptured seasonal details, is clearly his crowning work. It has also brilliantly fulfilled the designer’s purpose in becoming Central Park premiere spot for crowd watching. Another aspect, perhaps unforeseen by Olmsted and Vaux is the Terrace’s role as center stage to a wide variety of artists. The most famous of these is Thoth, one of New York City's most talented and celebrated street performers and subject of the 2002 Academy Award winning film of the same name. Besides being a favorite destination of park visitors in search of a cool place to spend a summer afternoon The Fountain is also a celebrity in its own right. It has probably appeared in more movies than any other monument in the park, exuding a timeless romantic charm that makes it a perfect backdrop for cinematographers. In fact in, the 1973 feature “Godspell”, the fountain becomes a character in its own right, with the newly recruited disciples splashing joyously around in the pool. It is a fantasy that has surely occurred to generations of summertime vistors. Location: Mid-Park at 72nd Street Text from: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/bethesda-terrace.html

Bethesda Terrace The richly-ornamented Bethesda Terrace overlooks the Lake and as well as the wooded shores of the Ramble. It also overlooks the Bethesda Fountain and it's sculpture, Angel of Waters, which was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1873. Traditionally the 'Heart of the Park' Bethesda Terrace is one of the best places in the Park for people-watching. It is also easily the most photographed with early morning fashion shoots a regular occurrence and film crews visiting on an almost weekly basis. Entry to the Terrace is by way of the drive at 72nd St. or the Mall and one of the most picturesque walks through the park is along the Mall, beneath the green canopy of overhanging trees, ending with a view of the Fountain and Lake beyond. As part of their Greensward Plan for Central Park Olmsted and Vaux were conscious of the fact that besides being a place to experience nature away from the urban sprawl the park also had to provide a place where people could gather. They needed to create a center for socializing, for people to see and be seen, Bethesda Terrace is that place. The split level Terrace also features elaborate ornamentation designed by Jacob Wrey Mould. This includes the two stone staircases that lead from the upper level to the Bethesda Fountain plaza and the Minton tiles that line the arcade ceiling. Mould is also responsible for the building several other park icons, including the original sheepfold that houses Tavern on the Green, but the Terrace, with its elaborate balustrades and sculptured seasonal details, is clearly his crowning work. It has also brilliantly fulfilled the designer’s purpose in becoming Central Park premiere spot for crowd watching. Another aspect, perhaps unforeseen by Olmsted and Vaux is the Terrace’s role as center stage to a wide variety of artists. The most famous of these is Thoth, one of New York City's most talented and celebrated street performers and subject of the 2002 Academy Award winning film of the same name. Besides being a favorite destination of park visitors in search of a cool place to spend a summer afternoon The Fountain is also a celebrity in its own right. It has probably appeared in more movies than any other monument in the park, exuding a timeless romantic charm that makes it a perfect backdrop for cinematographers. In fact in, the 1973 feature “Godspell”, the fountain becomes a character in its own right, with the newly recruited disciples splashing joyously around in the pool. It is a fantasy that has surely occurred to generations of summertime vistors. Location: Mid-Park at 72nd Street Text from: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/bethesda-terrace.html

Bethesda Terrace The richly-ornamented Bethesda Terrace overlooks the Lake and as well as the wooded shores of the Ramble. It also overlooks the Bethesda Fountain and it's sculpture, Angel of Waters, which was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1873. Traditionally the 'Heart of the Park' Bethesda Terrace is one of the best places in the Park for people-watching. It is also easily the most photographed with early morning fashion shoots a regular occurrence and film crews visiting on an almost weekly basis. Entry to the Terrace is by way of the drive at 72nd St. or the Mall and one of the most picturesque walks through the park is along the Mall, beneath the green canopy of overhanging trees, ending with a view of the Fountain and Lake beyond. As part of their Greensward Plan for Central Park Olmsted and Vaux were conscious of the fact that besides being a place to experience nature away from the urban sprawl the park also had to provide a place where people could gather. They needed to create a center for socializing, for people to see and be seen, Bethesda Terrace is that place. The split level Terrace also features elaborate ornamentation designed by Jacob Wrey Mould. This includes the two stone staircases that lead from the upper level to the Bethesda Fountain plaza and the Minton tiles that line the arcade ceiling. Mould is also responsible for the building several other park icons, including the original sheepfold that houses Tavern on the Green, but the Terrace, with its elaborate balustrades and sculptured seasonal details, is clearly his crowning work. It has also brilliantly fulfilled the designer’s purpose in becoming Central Park premiere spot for crowd watching. Another aspect, perhaps unforeseen by Olmsted and Vaux is the Terrace’s role as center stage to a wide variety of artists. The most famous of these is Thoth, one of New York City's most talented and celebrated street performers and subject of the 2002 Academy Award winning film of the same name. Besides being a favorite destination of park visitors in search of a cool place to spend a summer afternoon The Fountain is also a celebrity in its own right. It has probably appeared in more movies than any other monument in the park, exuding a timeless romantic charm that makes it a perfect backdrop for cinematographers. In fact in, the 1973 feature “Godspell”, the fountain becomes a character in its own right, with the newly recruited disciples splashing joyously around in the pool. It is a fantasy that has surely occurred to generations of summertime vistors. Location: Mid-Park at 72nd Street Text from: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/bethesda-terrace.html