Skip to main content

Subscribe to Smithsonian magazine and get a FREE tote.

Travel |

Verdant Beauty, Wide-Open Spaces, Elegant Architecture: Have a Look at 15 Photos That Show Why Central Park Is the Lifeblood of Manhattan

At the center of the concrete jungle, the green expanse provides New York with a real retreat to nature

OPENER - Autumn colors frame a calm lake in Central Park as two people row beneath looming skyscrapers.
OPENER - Autumn colors frame a calm lake in Central Park as two people row beneath looming skyscrapers.
Autumn colors frame a calm lake in Central Park as two people row beneath looming skyscrapers. Jeffrey Barsky, 2025

Verdant Beauty, Wide-Open Spaces, Elegant Architecture: Have a Look at 15 Photos That Show Why Central Park Is the Lifeblood of Manhattan

At the center of the concrete jungle, the green expanse provides New York with a real retreat to nature

Photos selected by

OPENER - Autumn colors frame a calm lake in Central Park as two people row beneath looming skyscrapers.
Autumn colors frame a calm lake in Central Park as two people row beneath looming skyscrapers. Jeffrey Barsky, 2025

Since its wintry opening in 1858, Central Park has been a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of New York, which can overwhelm residents and visitors alike. Offering gondola rides, carousels and swimming in the summer and ice-skating, horse-drawn carriages and sledding as temperatures drop, Central Park is a dream for those who love the outdoors. For more than 100 years, its natural beauty and open spaces have complemented its architectural treasures, such as Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle and Bow Bridge. Originally home to the Lenape, part of the land was settled by free Black Americans and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Today, Central Park welcomes more than 40 million visitors from around the world each year. A guest star in just about every movie filmed in New York, it’s as much an icon of the Big Apple as Times Square, the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. See for yourself.

2 - Sunlight helps illuminate the intricately detailed ceilings and walls of the Bethesda Arcade, where a woman soaks in the atmosphere.
Sunlight helps illuminate the intricately detailed ceilings and walls of the Bethesda Arcade, where a woman soaks in the atmosphere. Siu Lau, 2019
3 - Migratory birds rest on ice formations at the park’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
Migratory birds rest on ice formations at the park’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Ellen Speiser, 2022
4 - Located in the middle of Central Park, Bethesda Fountain is an iconic landmark, known for its Angel of the Waters sculpture—an 1873 neoclassical bronze work of art.
Located in the middle of Central Park, Bethesda Fountain is an iconic landmark, known for its Angel of the Waters sculpture—an 1873 neoclassical bronze work of art. Foster Marrero, 2013
5 - Concrete structures scrape the skyline—a contrast to the serene scenes of Central Park.
Concrete structures scrape the skyline—a contrast to the serene scenes of Central Park. William Caruso, 2015
6 - Rowboat rentals and gondola rides transport Manhattan visitors across the tranquil waters of Central Park Lake.
Rowboat rentals and gondola rides transport Manhattan visitors across the tranquil waters of Central Park Lake. Jonathon Hwong, 2017
7 - A writer uses vintage machinery to compose bespoke “almost decent poetry” for passers-by.
A writer uses vintage machinery to compose bespoke “almost decent poetry” for passers-by. Jan Ponnet, 2022
8 - Baseball can be enjoyed in almost any open space, including Central Park.
Baseball can be enjoyed in almost any open space, including Central Park. Ellen Speiser, 2024
9 - For New Yorkers and visitors from around the world, Sheep Meadow is a favorite spot to play, sunbathe, picnic and admire the city skyline.
For New Yorkers and visitors from around the world, Sheep Meadow is a favorite spot to play, sunbathe, picnic and admire the city skyline. Sebastien Bossu, 2017
10 - A ballerina strikes a dramatic pose at the famous arches of Bethesda Arcade.
A ballerina strikes a dramatic pose at the famous arches of Bethesda Arcade. Eric Falk, 2015
11 - Built in 1862, the Victorian-era Bow Bridge spans 60 feet across Central Park Lake.
Built in 1862, the Victorian-era Bow Bridge spans 60 feet across Central Park Lake.
  Troy Hudson, 2024
12 - Despite the weather, an artist with a perfect view of Angel of the Waters braves low temperatures to perform, perfectly framed by the arches of Bethesda Arcade.
Despite the weather, an artist with a perfect view of Angel of the Waters braves low temperatures to perform, perfectly framed by the arches of Bethesda Arcade. Louis Pioli, 2023
13 - The skyscrapers of Manhattan dwarf large trees that provide shade and beauty for park visitors.
The skyscrapers of Manhattan dwarf large trees that provide shade and beauty for park visitors. Devanté Parson, 2020
14 - New York is home to many artists, and Central Park serves as a stage.
New York is home to many artists, and Central Park serves as a stage. Emma Glynn, 2021
15 - Horse-drawn carriages have operated in the park since it opened in 1858.
Horse-drawn carriages have operated in the park since it opened in 1858. Michael Boyle, 2010
Jeff Campagna

Jeff Campagna is a photo editor at Smithsonian magazine. You can follow him on Instagram at @jeffcampagna.

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

Planning Your Next Trip?

Explore great travel deals

A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.