Bethesda Fountain and Terrace
New York, New York, New York
Marker Inscription
Bethesda Fountain and Terrace Designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, these stairways, terrace and fountain were focal features of the original plan for Central Park by Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. The fountain sculpture by Emma Stebbins, inspired by the biblical account of the miraculous pool of Bethesda, was installed in 1873.
Erected by New York Community Trust
The Story
At the heart of Central Park, the grand stairways, terrace, and fountain designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould formed a centerpiece of the park's original Greensward plan by Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. Crowning the fountain is the winged 'Angel of the Waters,' sculpted by Emma Stebbins and installed in 1873, drawing on the biblical healing pool of Bethesda. The ensemble remains one of the park's most beloved spaces.
Why it matters
It celebrates the visionary nineteenth-century design of America's first great public park and features one of the earliest major public artworks in New York commissioned from a woman.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- 81 Leonard Gallery4.3 mi away
- Gerben Fine Art4.4 mi away
- Bureau4.4 mi away · 112 Duane Street
- Hall des Lumières4.5 mi away · 49 Chambers Street, New York, NY
- Cloud Gallery4.6 mi away
- MĒRCER LABS4.8 mi away · 21 Dey Street
Attractions
- The River Project Wetlab3.8 mi away
- FDNY Ladder 84.2 mi away · 14 North Moore Street, New York
- Cortlandt Alley4.2 mi away
- Dream house4.2 mi away
- Chinatown4.3 mi away
- Textile building4.3 mi away
Food & drink
- Maman5.2 mi away
- Sweetgreen5.2 mi away
- Semicolon Cafe5.3 mi away
- Greene Hook Bar & Kitchen5.3 mi away
- Bluestone Lane5.3 mi away
- Rumi Turkish Grill5.3 mi away
Places to stay
- Conrad4.7 mi away · 102 North End Avenue, New York
- M Social Hotel New York Downtown4.8 mi away · 55 Church Street, New York, NY
- Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area4.9 mi away · 170 Broadway, New York, NY
- DoubleTree4.9 mi away · 455 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ
- Holiday Inn4.9 mi away · 51 Nassau Street
- Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey City4.9 mi away · 21 2nd Street, Jersey City, NJ
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
Own a business near here? Add it to the map.
Related people
- · Calvert Vaux
- · Jacob Wrey Mould
- · Frederick Law Olmsted
- · Emma Stebbins
Themes & tags
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