Things to See

The annual Central Park Conservancy Film Festival takes place in the landscape just north of Sheep Meadow and south of the 72nd St. Cross Drive.

Central Park's new, state-of-the-art Zoo was built when the Wildlife Conservation Society took over the management in 1984. It showcases animals from tropical, temperate, and polar zones around the world.

The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center opened to the public in 1993 and offers a wide variety of the Conservancy's free education and community programs, seasonal exhibits and holiday celebrations.

Also called the “Whisper Bench,” the 20-foot granite memorial curls inward at each side. Whisper into one end, and it actually travels to the other side.

A gentle slope overlooking the Lake with views to the Ramble, Cherry Hill offers a contemplative space perfect for picnicking, reading and sunbathing.

This fountain at the crest of Cherry Hill is centered at what was once a scenic turn-around for carriages. This Victorian fountain originally served as a watering trough for horses.

The Chess & Checkers House is one of five Park visitor centers run by the Central Park Conservancy. Players are welcome to borrow pieces from the Conservancy staff, or bring their own. Dominos and backgammon are also available.

1892 was marked by celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Columbus's arrival in the Americas and the dedication of Gaetano Russo's Columbus Circle stone monument in Central Park.

Today, this area is the site of the Conservancy’s composting operation, where 3,000 cubic yards of leaves are composted annually. Visitors will also notice a vestige of its former life: the remnant of a foundation wall dating to about 1750.

The Conservatory Garden is divided into three smaller gardens, each with a distinct style: Italian, French and English.