Dante Park: A Literary Oasis by 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.