Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

New York’s Central Park is a wonderful place to explore. One of the places I always enjoy returning is Central Park’s Conservatory Garden, in the northeastern corner of the park (between 104th and 106th Streets).

The name comes from a glass conservatory that was installed in this spot in the late 1800s. That was removed to create the formal gardens in 1937. This was a project carried out by former New York Parks Commissioner Robert Moses and was undertaken by Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers – a program to provide work during the Great Depression that carried out many urban projects.

The garden occupies a six acre section of Central Park, divided into three clear sections: The French-style garden, the Italianate garden and the English-style garden.

The Vanderbilt family donated the elegant entrance gate, the same one that used to stand guard outside of the (sadly, destroyed) Vanderbilt Mansion, previously on Fifth Avenue and 58th Street.

The garden changes dramatically across seasons. It’s knows for its colorful tulips in springtime.

There’s also a peaceful fountain, The Three Dancing Maidens, which was created in Germany and was once part of Samuel Untermyer’s Yonkers Estate, before his family donated it to the park.

The blooms change in the changing season, so it’s worth visits at various times throughout the year. Bring a book along (I always do). It’s a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the silence – and to feel as one with nature with the chaos of the city all around you as you bask in peaceful silence.

Currently, the Conservatory Garden is going through a major renovation project, but it’s being tackled section by section, so you can still enjoy the parts open to the public while work is ongoing. Look forward to seeing the fully renovated Conservatory Garden.

Enjoy your time in this peaceful oasis in Central Park.