Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!
Bryant Park is a 10-acre public park in midtown Manhattan. The main branch of the New York Public Library faces 5th Avenue and sits on the east side of the park. I visited it after watching the sun rise from the Empire State Building’s observation deck. The library was closed due to Covid, so I contented myself walking the grounds.
Aside from the library, the park contains a carousel, restaurant and shops around lawns, flowerbeds and shaded walkways. This section sits on top of the underground storage for the library’s books.
Bryant Park was originally was called Reservoir Square. It opened in 1847 before the Croton Distributing Reservoir was replaced by the Library. The city renamed the square in 1884 for journalist William Cullen Bryant.
The park was renovated in the 1930s and again in the 1980s. The City Parks department owns Bryant Park. The non-profit group Bryant Park Corporation has managed the park since the 1980 restoration.
Location: Avenue of the Americas, between 40th & 42nd
Designation: National Register of Historic Places
Date designated/established: Built 1847, NRHP 1966
Date of my visit: April 10, 2021
It’s a beautiful park. It’s amazing how much beauty a little natural enclave can bestow.
True! Thanks for reading and commenting
A beautiful asset to the city.
Yes! 🙂
A place I would like to visit someday. Did you know the 1853 World’s Fair was held adjacent to the reservoir? The city’s first “skyscraper” was a wooden tower next to the main exhibit hall. The library itself would be a major attraction for me.
Cool! Yes, I’ve only been inside once, and briefly. Would love to really tour it.
I particularly like the composition of the final photo!
Thanks so much!
Dear Theresa,
This is such a great park. We must keep missing one another as I was visiting the park for my blog on the Garment District. It is especially beautiful this time of year decorated for Christmas. If you really want to see something beautiful since you have been out to the Delaware Water Gap, you have to visit Hope, NJ. It is all decorated for the holidays and just beautiful.
Have a great holiday!
Sincerely,
Justin Watrel, Blogger
MywalkinManhattan.com
Thanks Justin! Happy holidays!
Dear Theresa,
My best to you and your family during the holiday season and Happy New Year! Try not to miss the Light Shows at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo. They are amazing!
Stay safe during the holidays!
Sincerely,
Justin Watrel, Blogger
MywalkinManhattan.com
What beautiful images! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much!