Bethesda Fountain

Welcome to Bethesda Fountain, one of the most iconic landmarks in Central Park! Located at the center of Bethesda Terrace, the fountain is a beloved attraction and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the park.

Designed by Emma Stebbins, the fountain was dedicated in 1873 and depicts the Angel of the Waters, a winged female figure symbolizing purity, as she blesses the water below. The sculpture is made of bronze and was one of the first major public works of art created by a woman in the United States.

The fountain and terrace are not just visually stunning, but also have a rich history. They were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the architects who created Central Park itself. The terrace was designed to provide a grand entrance to the park from 72nd Street, and the fountain was intended as a centerpiece of the terrace.

In addition to its architectural and artistic significance, Bethesda Fountain is also a popular gathering spot in Central Park. Visitors can sit on the steps of the terrace, take in the view of the lake and surrounding landscape, or simply relax and people-watch. It's also a common spot for street performers, and you may be lucky enough to catch a live music or dance performance while you're there.

One of the best ways to experience Bethesda Fountain and the rest of Central Park is by taking a bike or pedicab tour. Both tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the park while taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant and bustling city. A bike tour allows you to cover more ground and see more of the park's hidden gems, while a pedicab tour offers a more leisurely pace and a chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, Bethesda Fountain is a must-see destination in Central Park. So be sure to add it to your list of things to do and experience all the beauty and history this iconic attraction has to offer!

You'll see on

Central Park Bike Tour
Price from $89 usd
DURATION 2h

Looking for a unique and unforgettable way to experience Central Park? Look no further than our highly-rated Central Park bike tour! Ranked as one of the top 5 things to do in Central Park by TripAdvisor, our bike ...

Intensity
Rating 4.9
Active
Central Park Pedicab Tour
Price from $89 usd
DURATION 1h

Explore Central Park in style with our Central Park pedicab tour! TripAdvisor has ranked our tour as one of the top 5 things to do in Central Park. Our tour covers the entire length of Central Park, offering an ama...

Intensity
Rating 4.7
Active