Grand Army Plaza South Reopens

Pulitzer Fountain, Pomona statue. Photo Courtesy of Central Park Conservancy

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.