Conservatory Garden is Central Park’s six-acre formal garden, between East 104th and 106th streets along Fifth Avenue. Its French-, Italian- and English-style sections bring together seasonal flowers, fountains, winding paths and places to sit. Look for the Three Dancing Maidens at Untermyer Fountain, the wisteria pergola and the memorial fountain for Frances Hodgson Burnett. Entry is free, and the garden is a quiet place for a walk or a pause among flowers and carefully tended lawns.
Three garden styles in Central Park
Conservatory Garden occupies six acres in the northern part of Central Park, between East 104th and 106th streets on Fifth Avenue. It opened to the public in 1937 and is Central Park’s formal garden. Its three sections draw on French, Italian and English garden styles, with distinct layouts, plantings and features to look for as you walk.
The Vanderbilt Gate on Fifth Avenue provides an entrance to the garden. Once inside, you can explore the sections at your own pace, following their paths past flower beds, lawns and fountains. The garden is a designated quiet zone, so keep conversation and activity low-key and leave the lawns for viewing.
Flowers through the seasons
Spring brings tulips and daffodils to the French-style garden, while spring bulbs brighten the English section. In the Italian-style garden, crabapple trees flower in spring and add fragrance around the lawn. Bloom timing changes through the season, so a visit earlier in spring can look quite different from one later on.
Summer perennials and chrysanthemums add to the garden’s seasonal planting. In autumn, the beds take on warmer colors, with mums among the flowers. Even outside peak bloom, the formal paths, fountains and planted areas give the three sections their own character.
Fountains, paths and memorials
Untermyer Fountain is a focal point in the French-style section. Its Three Dancing Maidens sculpture gives visitors a particular detail to look for among the flowers. The Italian section has a rectangular lawn bordered by crabapple trees, while the wisteria pergola is known for its violet blooms when in flower.
The English-style section has winding paths and shaded areas. Its memorial fountain honors Frances Hodgson Burnett, the author of The Secret Garden. The garden’s fountains and seating offer places to stop between sections; take time to look around rather than treating the visit as only a flower walk.
Planning a quiet visit
Early morning and weekdays are good choices if you want a quieter walk or time to take photographs. The garden can draw more people later in the day, particularly when flowers are in bloom. If you are sensitive to pollen, consider bringing allergy medicine during the blooming seasons.
Entry is free. Nearby restrooms are available, and the garden has an accessible entrance and restroom. The grounds are carefully maintained, so enjoy the lawns from the paths and benches. For a picnic, use the open lawn beside the garden rather than sitting on its planted grass.
Perguntas frequentes
Is Conservatory Garden free to enter?
Yes. Entry to Conservatory Garden is free.
How long should I plan to spend at Conservatory Garden?
Plan around 45 to 60 minutes to walk through the sections and pause at the fountains.
When is the best time to see flowers at Conservatory Garden?
Spring brings tulips, daffodils, spring bulbs and crabapple blossoms. Flowers also appear in summer and autumn, including chrysanthemums.
Where is the entrance to Conservatory Garden?
Enter through the Vanderbilt Gate on Fifth Avenue at 104th or 105th Street.
