2011 Vacation: New York City / Central Park and Corner Plazas

New York City: Central Park

Central Park, the first major landscaped public space in urban America, was created in the 1850s. It spreads over 843-acre of land and was designed by landscape architecture Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It was designated New York City’s first scenic landmark in 1974. The nation’s first public park – Central Park – is now considered as the most famous and beloved urban park in the world.

Four Plazas opposite the Four Corners of Central Park

Opposite the four corners of rectangular Central Park, four individual plazas and squares.
These mark unique transition points between city and park.

Northwest corner – Author Frederick Douglass Monument.
Northeast corner – Duke Ellington Memorial, dedicated to the memory of the great musician in 1997.
Southeast corner – Grand Army Plaza, with its statue of General William T. Sherman and Pulitzer Fountain.
Southwest corner – Columbus Circle has Columbus Monument and USS Maine Monument.

At the Southern Edge of Central Park, there is
Grand Army Plaza [at 59th street and 5th Avenue],
and Columbus Circle [at 59th street and 8th Avenue].

Columbus Monument – by Sicilian sculptor Gaetano Russo. / Columbus Circle / Southwest corner.

Columbus Monument / Columbus Circle

Designed by Sicilian sculptor Gaetano Russo. It was erected as part of New York’s 1892 commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ landing in the Americas. Completed in 1905. It was donated to the City of New York by the Italian-American community. It is the point from which all official distances from New York City are measured.

For more.. click here..

USS Maine National Monument / Columbus Circle / Southwest corner.

USS Maine National Monument / Columbus Circle

Sculptor: Attilio Piccirilli (colossal group and figures)
Architect: Harold Van Buren Magonigle.
Opening on Central Park at the Merchant’s Gate entrance.

For more.. click here..

USS Maine National Monument / Columbus Circle / Southwest corner.

William Tecumseh Sherman / Grand Army Plaza / Southeast Corner

Pulitzer Fountain – by Karl Bitter / Grand Army Plaza / Southeast Corner

Pulitzer Fountain: For the most interesting story about Audrey Munson Pomona, who modeled for Pomona – the Roman goddess of abundance… click here..

Photo Gallery: Art at Central Park

There is a huge collection of artwork at Central Park.
I was able to see only a very small proportion.
For the entire collection, its better to check the official website.. click here..