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Conservatory Garden: A Central Park Oasis

Discover a tranquil escape in Central Park's only formal garden, featuring Italian, French, and English-style designs.

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The Conservatory Garden, nestled in Central Park, is a six-acre formal garden offering a serene escape from the city. As Central Park's only formal garden, it is divided into three distinct sections: Italian, French, and English-style gardens, each boasting unique horticultural displays and design elements.

A brief summary to Conservatory Garden

  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or fall for the most spectacular floral displays, including tulips, lilacs, crabapple trees and chrysanthemums.
  • The Conservatory Garden is a designated Quiet Zone, providing a peaceful escape from the city noise.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the garden's history, design, and horticulture.
  • The garden is a popular spot for small weddings; be mindful and respectful if an event is taking place.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Midtown Manhattan, take the 4, 5, or 6 subway line to 86th Street and Lexington Avenue. Transfer to the M106 bus heading west. Get off at 5th Avenue and 104th Street. Walk north along 5th Avenue for one block to the Vanderbilt Gate entrance of the Conservatory Garden. Subway fare is $2.90.

  • Walking

    From the Metropolitan Museum of Art, walk north on Fifth Avenue for approximately 25 blocks (about 1.3 miles). The Vanderbilt Gate entrance to the Conservatory Garden will be on your left, between 105th and 106th Streets. Allow 30-40 minutes for the walk.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Manhattan. A taxi from Times Square to the Conservatory Garden will cost approximately $19-$23 and take about 8 minutes, depending on traffic. Note that taxi fares in New York City include an initial charge of $3.00, plus additional charges per mile and time.

Unlock the Best of Conservatory Garden

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Discover more about Conservatory Garden

Escape the hustle and bustle of New York City in the tranquil embrace of the Conservatory Garden, Central Park's only formal garden. This meticulously designed six-acre oasis, located on the east side between 104th and 106th streets, offers visitors a serene and visually stunning experience throughout the year. The garden is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own unique character and horticultural style. Enter through the Vanderbilt Gate, a magnificent wrought-iron structure that once graced the mansion of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, and find yourself transported to the Italian Garden. Symmetrical lawns, yew hedges, and allées of crabapple trees create a sense of Renaissance-inspired elegance, with a central jet fountain as the focal point. To the north lies the French-style garden, known for its stunning seasonal displays of tulips in spring and Korean chrysanthemums in autumn. The Untermyer Fountain, featuring Walter Schott's Three Dancing Maidens, adds a touch of classical charm to this meticulously designed parterre garden. The English-style garden in the south offers a more relaxed and romantic atmosphere. Concentric planting beds showcase a diverse array of flowers, trees, and shrubs that provide year-round interest. Here, you'll also find the Burnett Fountain, a tribute to Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of "The Secret Garden". Originally the site of a conservatory in the late 19th century, the garden was redesigned and opened to the public in 1937. Today, it remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat and a chance to appreciate the beauty of formal garden design.

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