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Pulitzer Fountain: A Beaux-Arts Masterpiece

A stunning Beaux-Arts fountain in Grand Army Plaza, honoring Joseph Pulitzer with its design inspired by Parisian public squares.

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The Pulitzer Fountain, located in Manhattan's Grand Army Plaza, is a 22-foot-high ornamental fountain designed by Karl Bitter and Thomas Hastings and dedicated in 1916. It was commissioned to honor newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer and intended to resemble the fountains in Paris' Place de la Concorde. The fountain features a bronze statue of Pomona, the Roman goddess of abundance, holding a basket of fruit.

A brief summary to Pulitzer Fountain

  • 764 Central Park S, New York, Manhattan, New York, 10019, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during the holiday season to see the fountain and surrounding area transformed into a magical wonderland with dazzling lights and decorations.
  • Take advantage of the fountain's proximity to Fifth Avenue for luxury shopping and exploring iconic landmarks like St. Patrick's Cathedral.
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Grand Army Plaza, taking in the scenic beauty of the fountain and the bustling city atmosphere.
  • Bring your camera to capture fantastic photo opportunities with the fountain as a backdrop, especially during seasonal events and art shows.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Pulitzer Fountain is easily accessible by public transport. Several subway lines (N, R, Q to 57th Street; 1, 2, 3, A, B, C, D to 59th Street) and bus routes (M10, M1, M2, M3, M4, M57, M66, M72, M79, M86, M96, M106, M116) have stops near the fountain. From Grand Central Terminal, you can take the Q32 bus. The fare for subways and local buses is $2.90 per ride. You can pay using an OMNY card, contactless credit/debit card, or a MetroCard. A 7-day unlimited MetroCard costs $34.

  • Walking

    The Pulitzer Fountain is located at the southeastern corner of Central Park, directly across from the Plaza Hotel. You can approach it from the southeast entrance to Central Park or the end of the Fifth Avenue shopping corridor. From nearby attractions like Rockefeller Center and Times Square, it is a pleasant walk. Just head north on Fifth Avenue until you reach Grand Army Plaza.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Manhattan. A taxi ride from Grand Central Terminal to the Pulitzer Fountain typically costs between $11 and $14, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that surcharges may apply, including a rush hour surcharge of $2.50 from 4 PM to 8 PM on weekdays and a New York State Congestion Surcharge of $2.50 for trips that begin, end, or pass through Manhattan south of 96th Street. There is also a 75 cent MTA Congestion Pricing toll for the area of Manhattan south of and including 60th Street.

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Discover more about Pulitzer Fountain

The Pulitzer Fountain, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece, graces Grand Army Plaza at the southeastern corner of Central Park in Manhattan. This iconic landmark, designed by sculptor Karl Bitter and architect Thomas Hastings, was inaugurated in 1916 as a tribute to Joseph Pulitzer, the renowned newspaper publisher. Pulitzer, who died in 1911, bequeathed funds for the fountain's creation, envisioning it as a reflection of the grand public squares of Paris, particularly the Place de la Concorde. The fountain's design showcases the grandeur of Beaux-Arts architecture, a style popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its centerpiece is the bronze statue of Pomona, the Roman goddess of abundance, orchards, and gardens, holding a fruit-filled basket. The statue, standing at 22 feet, symbolizes prosperity and richness. Water emerges from spouts at the base, cascading down the five-tiered basins, creating a visually appealing and relaxing environment. Over the years, the Pulitzer Fountain has undergone several restorations to preserve its architectural integrity. The original limestone fountain was first restored in 1948, and in 1970, the central basin was replaced with granite. By the 1980s, it was rehabilitated as part of a project to restore Grand Army Plaza. Today, the Pulitzer Fountain remains a cherished landmark, attracting visitors with its beauty, history, and vibrant events. Its location near Central Park, the Plaza Hotel, and Fifth Avenue makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.

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