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The Arsenal is one of only two buildings within the Park walls that predate the Park (the other is the Block House at the north end of the Park, dating from the War of 1812). Today, the Arsenal houses the offices of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and the Central Park Zoo. It is also the current home of the "Greensward plan," Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux's winning entry in the competition for the design of Central Park. This can be seen in the conference room on the third floor.
The Arsenal, designed by architect Martin E. Thompson, was built between 1847 and 1851 as a munitions supply depot for New York State's National Guard. The Guard chose the site because at that time it afforded an overview of the City to the south, and could offer swift troop transport via the New York and Harlem Railroad. It is a picturesque brick building — designated an official New York City Landmark in 1967 — designed to look like a medieval fortress, complete with eight battlements. In 1935-36, the Arsenal lobby murals were painted under the direction of Allen Saalburg. They depict recreational activities, notable park structures, and flagship parks. The project was funded by the Federal WPA. Also at this time, a new entryway was designed, including military drums over the doorway, and cast-iron musket replicas as supports for the banisters.
To read the Parks Department's historical sign, click here.
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