Grand Army Plaza
Grand Army Plaza features the statue of General William Tecumseh Sherman astride his horse. Across the street is the Plaza Hotel, the scene of countless movies, from North by Northwest to Home Alone.
The Grand Army Plaza was completed in 1916 and is named after the Grand Army of the Potomac that fought for the Union side during the Civil War. The statue of General Sherman is by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. This was his last great work and fulfilled a long standing dream of his to pay tribute to the heroes of the Civil War.
To your right, as you enter the park is Freedman Plaza. Named for the founder of the Public Art Fund, Doris C. Freedman, the Plaza has been the site of more than 40 artist projects and commissions, featuring works by both internationally known and emerging artists including Liz Larner, Sarah Sze, Paul McCarthy, and Mark Handforth.
Next to the entrance to the park and the stairs downward you will see the Lombard Lamp to the left. It was a gift from the city of Hamburg Germany and is a replica of the streetlights that grace the historic Lombard Bridge in that city. Weighing more than twelve hundred pounds the ornate cast-iron and aluminum lamp features a base composed of garlands, cherubs and other decorative features.
About Central Park
Find all the information you need to enjoy your visit to New York City’s iconic Central Park.
Attractions
Central Park features 843 acres filled with classic architecture, gorgeous statuary and up to date sports, educational and performance facilities. Besides all of this there is the world famous Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Center and the Children’s Zoo.
Things To Do
From The Philharmonic on the Great Lawn to Shakespeare in the Park to SummerStage, Central Park offers an endless array of things to do, see, hear – and, with two full service restaurants and several cafes, taste. You can visit The Shakespeare Garden, take in a performance at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, take a ride on the Carousel – or just sit and people watch at Bethesda Terrace!
Contact Us
Contact Info
5th Ave.
New York, NY, 10028