Dante Park: A Literary Oasis by Lincoln Center
A tranquil Upper West Side park honoring Dante Alighieri, offering a peaceful escape near Lincoln Center.
Dante Park, a charming green space, is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and West 63rd Street, right in front of Lincoln Center. This small, triangular park offers a peaceful retreat from the surrounding urban bustle. The park is named in honor of Dante Alighieri, the celebrated Italian poet. In 1921, the park was officially named for Dante Alighieri. A statue of Dante, sculpted by Ettore Ximenes, was erected in the park in the same year, commemorating the 600th anniversary of Dante's death. Carlo Barsotti, editor of Il Progresso Italo-Americano, an Italian-American newspaper, initiated the effort to erect the statue. For many years, the site and the parcel to its north were considered part of Empire Park. The two parcels were eventually separated into two parks. The north portion of Empire Park became Richard Tucker Triangle. In the early 1990s, the Radisson Empire Hotel funded the conservation and repair of the sculpture and sponsored horticultural improvements and public programs in the park. In 1999, "TimeSculpture" by architect Philip Johnson was installed in the northern point of Dante Park. Today, Dante Park provides a serene environment with seasonal flowers and well-maintained greenery. It's a place for relaxation, reflection, and a quiet escape from the city's energy.
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the park's benches.
- Take a moment to admire the Dante Alighieri statue and reflect on his literary contributions.
- Check for community events or performances that may be taking place in the park.
A brief summary to Dante Park
- Columbus Ave &, W 63rd St., New York, Manhattan, NY, 10023, US
- +1212-639-9675
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-1 am
- Tuesday 6 am-1 am
- Wednesday 6 am-1 am
- Thursday 6 am-1 am
- Friday 6 am-1 am
- Saturday 6 am-1 am
- Sunday 6 am-1 am
Getting There
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Walking
From Lincoln Center, walk across the plaza towards Columbus Avenue and West 63rd Street. Dante Park is located at the intersection of these streets, directly opposite Lincoln Center. The walk is short and straightforward, taking only a few minutes.
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Public Transport
Take the 1 train to the 66th Street-Lincoln Center station. Exit the station and walk south along Broadway to West 63rd Street. Turn left onto West 63rd Street, and Dante Park will be on your right at the corner of Columbus Avenue. A single subway ride costs $2.90.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing service to reach Dante Park. Provide the address 'Columbus Avenue and West 63rd Street, New York, NY' as your destination. From nearby locations like Times Square, a short taxi ride will cost approximately $10-12.
