Belvedere Castle

One of the most iconic features in Central Park, this miniature castle is located atop the huge rock outcrop known as Vista Rock, the second highest natural point in Central Park.

Designed by Central Park co-designer Calvert Vaux and architect Jacob Wrey Mould, the structure and adjacent terraces and pavilions were all called the “the Belvedere,” which means “beautiful view” in Italian. The entire complex, completed in 1872, was designed as a place from which to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape; the building originally had no windows or doors, as it was intended as an open-air lookout tower. Constructed out of Manhattan schist, the building was also designed as a focal point in the landscape, drawing visitors to it. It appears as if it emerges from the dramatic Vista Rock on which it is perched.

The Belvedere still draws visitors to take in the sweeping views of Turtle Pond and Great Lawn to the north, the Ramble to the south, and the surrounding cityscape. The Castle also houses one of the Park's visitor centers and a gift shop. When the building is open, visitors can ascend to additional terraces for an even higher vantage point.

Like many of the Park structures, the use and purpose of the Belvedere Castle changed over time. In 1919 the U.S. Weather Bureau converted the building into a weather station, adding windows and doors, and creating offices inside the structure. When they moved out of the building in the 1960s, it fell into disrepair and became a target of vandalism.

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In 1983 the Central Park Conservancy renovated the building and reopened it as a visitor center, once again drawing attention to this exceptional building.

Restoring the Belvedere

Hear from Conservancy staff who worked on the latest restoration of the Belvedere, completed in 2019.

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In 2019, we completed a comprehensive project to restore and modernize the building and terraces.

Then & Now: Belvedere Castle

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Temperature, wind, and rainfall are still measured at the Belvedere, though primarily now from equipment housed in a fenced-in area just to the south of the building.

The Castle seen from the far bank of Turtle Pond on a cloudless winter day. — Support the Park

The Conservancy restores, preserves, and maintains historic structures like Belvedere Castle. Funding for these crucial projects comes from donors like you.

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Things you can do here

A view of Belvedere Castle, seen looking up from Turtle Pond

Audio Guide

Explore the Belvedere (Spanish)

Escuche todo sobre la arquitectura del Belvedere mientras se sumerge en los fascinantes detalles de la rica historia del sitio. Disponible en inglés, español y lenguaje de señas estadounidense.

Tags: Staff Picks

A deeply-shadowed rustic path through the Ramble

Self-Guided Tours

The Ramble Tour

Wander through the naturalistic beauty of the Ramble, the most intricate and detailed landscape in Central Park.

Tags: Woodlands

A view of Belvedere Castle seen from across Turtle Pond

Virtual

The Belvedere: Beautiful View

Enjoy the sweeping vistas of the Great Lawn from the newly restored Belvedere Castle while learning about its rich history and the Conservancy’s work to preserve this architectural gem.

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A woman relaxing on the lawn beside the East Drive

Self-Guided Tours

Mid-Park Tour

Explore the middle of Central Park with stops at the Park’s miniature castle, a popular turtle hangout, and the oldest outdoor monument in New York City.

A low-hanging autumn sun casts long shadows across a rustic path in the Ramble.

Nov

Events

Members Hound Hike: The Ramble

11:00 am

You’re in Central Park all the time with your dog, but do you know the history of this American masterpiece?

Summer park-goers sit on a wide rock under the shade, taking in the expanse of Turtle Pond.

Guided Tours

Discovery Walks for Families: Turtle Pond

A Central Park favorite for young visitors, Turtle Pond is home to five species of turtles who live there year-round.

Tags: Families / Best for Kids / Nature Lovers / Woodlands

The Alice in Wonderland statue, depicted with winter snow

Self-Guided Tours

How to Spend a Snow Day in Central Park

Enjoy the Park’s quieter season on a walk past its best winter sights.

Guided Tours

Belvedere: A Beautiful View

Enjoy the sweeping vistas of Central Park from the newly restored Belvedere Castle!

Tags: History / Highlights / Architecture / Landscape Design

A Discovery Kit with crayons, binoculars, and other goodies, pictured on a lawn in summer

Kids & Families

Discovery Kits

Young explorers are invited to borrow an official Central Park Conservancy Discovery Kit or take away a complimentary Discovery Journal from our visitor centers!

Audio Guide

Explore the Belvedere

Hear all about the Belvedere’s architecture while immersing yourself in the fascinating details of the site’s rich history. Available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.  

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