NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Central Park

Manhattan

The most frequented urban park in the nation attracts more than 20 million visitors annually. Built between 1858 and 1873, it occupies 6 percent of Manhattan's land area, or 843 acres. At 2.5 miles long and a half mile wide, it is the largest work of art in New York City.

Central Park—Belvedere Castle

Manhattan

Designed by Calvert Vaux in 1867, this scaled-down storybook castle possesses an interesting combination of Norman, Gothic and Victorian architectural elements. The castle's Discovery Chamber contains exhibits on Central Park's natural history and an aquarium of species that inhabit nearby Belvedere Lake.

Central Park Conservancy

Manhattan

The Conservancy is responsible for capital Park improvement projects. It offers a wide range of free programs to the community, including family programs, education and volunteer resources and recreation activities.

Central Park–Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop

Manhattan

The Dairy is a Gothic Revival structure located between the Wildlife Center and the Carousel and overlooks Wollman Rink. Designed by Calvert Vaux and built in 1870 as a dispensary of milk for poor families, it now serves as one of the park's information centers and houses exhibits about the design, architecture and history of the park.

Central Park SummerStage

Manhattan

Since 1985, SummerStage, run by the City Parks Foundation, has been presenting an eclectic mix of the finest musicians, dancers and spoken word artists from around the world in an exciting series of both free and benefit performances. Until 2009, all SummerStage events took place in Central Park. Starting in the summer of 2010, the stages have multiplied. Events are now held on 16 outdoor stages in parks all over the five boroughs.