Press Release
Historic Restoration of Pulitzer Fountain and Plaza Revitalizes Central Park’s Iconic Southern Entrance Through Major Investment in Public Space at 59th Street and 5th Avenue Photos and b-roll here.
NEW YORK, NY (June 24, 2026) — Last week, the Central Park Conservancy, the non-profit that cares for all 843 acres of Central Park, celebrated the reopening of Grand Army Plaza South following a $16 million restoration of one of Central Park’s most significant and historic entrances. The project restored the plaza’s historic character and infrastructure while improving accessibility, circulation, and long-term sustainability for the millions of New Yorkers and visitors who pass through the southeast corner of the Park each year.
The reopening was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony following a press conference attended by Deputy Mayor of Operations Julia Kerson; New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn; NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura; Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman; NYC Council Member Gale Brewer; and Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust Trustee Richard Schneidman.
Though often perceived primarily as a Manhattan intersection and gateway to Fifth Avenue, Grand Army Plaza is one of Central Park’s most important and historic sites, and has been cared for and managed by the Central Park Conservancy for decades. Originally envisioned by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux as the Park’s principal entrance, the plaza has long served as a symbolic and physical threshold between the City and the landscape of Central Park.
“Grand Army Plaza is the most prominent entrance to Central Park and an essential part of the Park’s historic fabric. Yet many people do not realize it is part of the Park itself,” said Betsy Smith, President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. “This restoration honors the original vision for the plaza while repairing and upgrading its materials, infrastructure, and horticulture, all of which will create a better, more elegant space for millions of New Yorkers to enjoy. Every detail of this project, from the paving patterns and plantings to the conservation of the Pulitzer Fountain and Pomona statue, reflects the extraordinary craftsmanship, care, and long-term vision that define the Conservancy’s work.”
“The Trustees of the Robert Wilson Trust have been honored to partner with the talented team from the Central Park Conservancy on this meticulous revitalization of Grand Army Plaza with its iconic Pulitzer Fountain,” said Richard G. Schneidman, Trustee of Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust. “We are thrilled with the remarkable results and the knowledge that Robert Wilson’s name will forever be associated with the transformation of this celebrated gateway to his beloved Central Park.”
The restoration carefully balanced historic preservation with the needs of a modern public space, combining critical infrastructure and accessibility improvements with meticulous fountain conservation and landscape restoration work to preserve the plaza’s historic character, while enhancing the experience for millions of visitors each year.
As part of the restoration, the Pulitzer Fountain’s iconic Pomona statue was removed and conserved off-site before being returned atop the fountain. The project also included upgrades to the fountain’s mechanical systems and the construction of a larger subterranean vault to improve long-term maintenance access and operations. The $16 million project was primarily funded by private contributions, with additional funding from the City of New York.
The south plaza was originally completed in 1916 following a design competition won by the architectural firm Carrère and Hastings. Inspired in part by the great civic plazas of Europe, the design established Grand Army Plaza as a monumental entrance to Central Park centered around the Pulitzer Fountain, which was funded through a bequest by publisher Joseph Pulitzer. The last major restoration of the south plaza took place in 1990; the Conservancy completed its renovation of Grand Army Plaza North in 2015.
Interior curbs were removed, and pavements regraded to provide universal accessibility throughout the plaza. Historic bluestone paving patterns and granite curbs were restored or replaced in-kind, drainage and irrigation infrastructure were upgraded, and pedestrian lighting was replaced to match the historic design.
The landscape restoration reinstated the historic double row of London plane trees originally envisioned for the plaza, increasing tree canopy coverage while aligning the south plaza with the restored north side. Evergreen hedges, lawns, and formal plantings were also reconstructed to reflect the original design intent of the space.
“We're proud to complement this major restoration to Grand Army Plaza in the heart of Manhattan with custom seating, planters, and safety enhancements that create a welcoming and inviting destination for all to enjoy," said Mike Flynn, NYC DOT Commissioner. "We are happy to work alongside the Central Park Conservancy and NYC Parks to deliver the world class public spaces that New Yorkers deserve."
“Grand Army Plaza is one of New York City’s most recognizable public spaces, serving as a historic gateway to Central Park and our entire city for millions of residents and visitors,” said Tricia Shimamura, NYC Parks Commissioner. “This remarkable restoration preserves the plaza’s architectural and cultural legacy while making it more accessible, resilient, and welcoming for future generations. We are happy to work alongside the Central Park Conservancy and all those throughout the community who helped bring this project to life, ensuring that this iconic civic space continues to inspire and serve New Yorkers for decades to come.”
“The reopening of Grand Army Plaza South is a remarkable investment in one of Manhattan’s most iconic public spaces. As the historic gateway to Central Park and Fifth Avenue, Grand Army Plaza is woven into the fabric of our borough, welcoming millions of New Yorkers and visitors every year,” said Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President. “Thanks to the extraordinary work of the Central Park Conservancy, the restored Pulitzer Fountain and surrounding plaza once again reflect the beauty and grandeur of this beloved landmark. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made this restoration possible and look forward to seeing generations of New Yorkers gather, celebrate, and enjoy this revitalized civic space.”
"Central Park is at the heart of our district, and Grand Army Plaza is one of its most recognizable entrances,” said Gale A. Brewer, NYC Council Member. “I've seen firsthand how much care the Central Park Conservancy puts into maintaining and restoring the Park, and this project is a terrific example of that work. The restored plaza respects the history of this remarkable space while making it more welcoming and accessible for the millions of New Yorkers and visitors who pass through it each year. Congratulations on a great job."
The reopening of Grand Army Plaza South reflects the Conservancy’s broader commitment to preserving and maintaining critical public infrastructure across Central Park. Through nearly five decades of restoration, maintenance, and operations management, the Conservancy continues to invest in the long-term care of the Park’s landscapes, monuments, entrances, and shared spaces to ensure they remain accessible, resilient, and welcoming for all New Yorkers and visitors.
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About the Central Park Conservancy The Central Park Conservancy is a private, not-for-profit organization that manages Central Park and is responsible for raising the Park's annual operating budget. The Conservancy’s staff of 400 is responsible for all aspects of the Park’s stewardship, from day-to-day maintenance and operations to continued restoration and rebuilding projects. Additionally, the Conservancy operates the Park’s visitor centers, provides public programs, and serves as a resource for other NYC parks and for public-private partnerships around the world. For more information, please visit centralparknyc.org.