Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library just off of Fifth Avenue. I sat in one spot and just photographed. This is my visit to the restored Bryant Park and its surrounding areas.
The 9.6 acre park is a privately managed public park situated between Fifth and Sixth (Avenue of the Americas) and between 40th and 42nd Street. In other words, between Times Square and Grand Central Terminal – in the heart of mid-town Manhattan.
A statue of the poet and journalist, William Cullen Bryant sits at the center of the back overlooking the park which has his name.
Back when I lived in New York (and we are talking in the eighties here), I remember being terrified to walk near this park, it was a location of “ill repute” to put it mildly. But now, having come back, I am amazed at the transformation.
After a bit of sleuthing on my part I was surprised to learn that stacks were built in 1988, underneath the great lawn. That was the starting point for a major overhaul.
During the period of “ill repute” the park was not safe and felt cut off from the rest of the city. The renovations lowered the park by a few feet and opened it up to the outside with new entrances which made the area safe for all visitors.
There is also a carousel in keeping with the French styling of the park.
Looking up at the tall buildings upon buildings surrounding the area.
On the Sixth Avenue side we see lots of modern skyscrapers such as this tall glass building and the one to its right which is the Bank of America Financial Center.
The Fountain Terrace has plentiful seating that is movable, adding to the feeling of the public being in control. There is also a reading room where visitors can borrow books to read in their spare time and where events are hosted.
Summertime, the lawn hosts a weekly movie night event, and Broadway concerts.
The Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain is made of Stony Creek granite and bronze. It is the first major monument in the city, to honor a female who was a social worker. It was installed in 1912 and relocated to its present site in 1936.
It is also known as the W.R. Grace Building and is famous for its curved vertical facade on both sides. Yes, it looks as if it is going to topple over.
On the southwest corner of the park we can see the Bank of China which recently built this skyscraper.
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I love it when I get your comments and I will try to reply to every one of them.
Magical Mystical Teacher
Saturday 20th of July 2019
I'm not sure exactly how to find your current post, but there are some very fine shadows in this collection. Thanks!
Barbara Chapman
Wednesday 23rd of January 2019
What a gorgeous view and park, Mary!!! Thank you for taking us on a tour! My mother and aunt loved visiting restrooms and years ago we were in San Francisco (when I was first starting college and lived in Northern California). Auntie Ellie and I went into one really nice hotel to visit the lavatory and it was the first time I had ever seen such opulence in a restroom! The marble and fixtures were perfection!! Probably another of those ah-hah moments in my love of interior design. ;) Maybe yours, too... <3 When I get to NY sometime, we will have to go there... Hugs, Barb :)
Mary
Wednesday 23rd of January 2019
Absolutely Barbara. We can also go to the library which is full of architectural marvels. That bathroom was quite an eye opener and that is why I just had to mention it.
Jeanie Croope
Wednesday 23rd of January 2019
It has been so long since I've been in NYC! Lovely to see these photos. That library is magnificent!
Mary
Thursday 24th of January 2019
It is a masterpiece Jeanie. But so is the outside now that it has been restored.
Eileen Wise
Thursday 24th of January 2019
Hello, what a wonderful tour of NYC. I would love to visit the library. The buildings are amazing, just a busy city. I enjoyed the post and photos. Happy Thursday, have a happy day!
Mary
Thursday 24th of January 2019
It i s indeed a very busy city Eileen. And one that keeps you on the look out for surprises.
Tanya Breese
Thursday 24th of January 2019
Beautiful green space in the middle of the city and nice that it can be used year round!
Mary
Thursday 24th of January 2019
Yes, a while back it was a forbidden zone where you risked getting robbed if you walked by. It is such a pleasure now.