Belvedere Castle
One of the most iconic features in Central Park, this miniature castle is located atop the huge rock outcrop known as Vista Rock, the second highest natural point in Central Park.
Designed by Central Park co-designer Calvert Vaux and architect Jacob Wrey Mould, the structure and adjacent terraces and pavilions were all called “the Belvedere,” which means “beautiful view” in Italian. The entire complex, completed in 1872, was designed as a place from which to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape; the building originally had no windows or doors, as it was intended as an open-air lookout tower. Constructed out of Manhattan schist, the building was also designed as a focal point in the landscape, drawing visitors to it. It appears as if it emerges from the dramatic Vista Rock on which it is perched.
The Belvedere still draws visitors to take in the sweeping views of Turtle Pond and Great Lawn to the north, the Ramble to the south, and the surrounding cityscape. The Castle also houses one of the Park's visitor centers and a gift shop. When the building is open, visitors can ascend to additional terraces for an even higher vantage point.
Like many of the Park structures, the use and purpose of the Belvedere Castle changed over time. In 1919 the U.S. Weather Bureau converted the building into a weather station, adding windows and doors, and creating offices inside the structure. When they moved out of the building in the 1960s, it fell into disrepair and became a target of vandalism.
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In 1983 the Central Park Conservancy renovated the building and reopened it as a visitor center, once again drawing attention to this exceptional building.
In 2019, we completed a comprehensive project to restore and modernize the building and terraces.
Temperature, wind, and rainfall are still measured at the Belvedere, though primarily now from equipment housed in a fenced-in area just to the south of the building.
Support the Park
The Conservancy restores, preserves, and maintains historic structures like Belvedere Castle. Funding for these crucial projects comes from donors like you.
Things you can do here
Guides
The Belvedere Audio Guide (French)
Plongez dans l’histoire et l’architecture du château emblématique du Parc avec l’audioguide Belvedere.
Tags: History / Audio Guides / Art & Architecture
Self-Guided Tours
Mid-Park Tour
Explore the middle of Central Park with stops at the Park’s miniature castle, a popular turtle hangout, and the oldest outdoor monument in New York City.
Tags: History / Art & Architecture
Guides
Explore the Belvedere (Spanish)
Escuche todo sobre la arquitectura del Belvedere mientras se sumerge en los fascinantes detalles de la rica historia del sitio. Disponible en inglés, español y lenguaje de señas estadounidense.
Tags: History / Audio Guides / Art & Architecture
Guides
The Belvedere Audio and ASL Guide
Hear all about the Belvedere’s architecture while immersing yourself in the fascinating details of the site’s rich history. Available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
Tags: History / Audio Guides / Art & Architecture
Self-Guided Tours
How to Spend a Snow Day in Central Park
Enjoy the Park’s quieter season on a walk past its best winter sights.
Tags: Kids and Families / Art & Architecture
Self-Guided Tours
The Ramble Self-Guided Tour
Wander through the naturalistic beauty of the Ramble, the most intricate and detailed landscape in Central Park.
Tags: History / Art & Architecture / Plants and Trees
Also in the area
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Restoration and Maintenance
The Future Is Green: Geothermal Energy at the Belvedere
Tags: Park Design
Park Information
A Reflection of Nature Itself: The Different Landscapes of Central Park
Central Park is made up of a variety of landscapes that are diverse, intricate, and interconnected—just like the communities of Park-lovers who enjoy them.
Tags: Trees / Nature Lovers / Lawns / Landscapes
Park History
See Newly Digitized Images of Winter in Central Park
Snowy scenes from the 1980s and 1990s are some of the Central Park Conservancy's recently digitized images.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / History
Restoration and Maintenance
Always Improving: Restoring Central Park in 2019
The Central Park Conservancy’s team of professionals work year-round to renovate, rebuild, and refresh every corner of the Park.
Tags: Playgrounds
Park History
A ‘Beautiful View’: The History of the Belvedere
When the Belvedere opened 150 years ago, it provided visitors with some of the most sweeping views of Central Park and the City beyond.
Health and Fitness
Embracing Wellness Outdoors: 5 Benefits of Being in Nature
As many Park visitors have experienced firsthand, natural outdoor spaces have a positive impact on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. From the benefits of birdsong to the magic of movement, discover five fascinating ways time spent in Central Park can contribute to your overall wellbeing.
Tags: Park Design / Nature Lovers / Plants and Trees / Landscapes
Things to See and Do
Central Park’s Most Instagrammable Wintertime Spots, Part II
With fewer crowds and a tranquility not found in other seasons, winter is an ideal time to photograph Central Park. Brave the cold and visit the Park this season—no filter needed.
Tags: Tips for Visiting / Winter / Highlights