[Constructed 1872]
Designers: Frederick Law Olmsted 1822-1903
USA & Calvert Vaux 1824-1895 • England
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday,
10:00am to 4:30pm
(212) 772-0210
One of the most enchanting spectacles in
Central Park is Belvedere Castle. From its
perch on an immense outcropping of bedrock
called Vista Rock visitors to the Park can be
enthralled by the view of the Delacorte Theater,Turtle Pond and the Great
Lawn far below.
This Victorian structure with its two balconies
rises up on one of the highest natural
elevations in the Park. It is a silhouette of
distinction from the surrounding landscape
and a mystery to behold as it appears
through the tree branches to visitors who
approach through the dense underbrush
of the Ramble.
The Castle is also the home of the Henry Luce Nature Observatory. With its
medieval stairways and ancient ambience
along with the carefully thought out exhibits
youngsters have a grand opportunity to
learn about nature and the Park in a
compelling environment. On the main level,
nature exhibits with telescopes and
microscopes are available to provide an
extended dimension to the learning
experience.
The Castle’s second floor contains a plywood
tree filled with papier mâché reproductions
of birds often seen in Central Park. Recorded
bird songs can be called up at the push of a
button. Visitors of all ages can borrow
Discovery Kits that contain binoculars,
reference material and maps for exploring
either the many species of birds in the Ramble, or the aquatic life at the edge of Turtle Pond. The Castle also
provides
up-to-the-minute weather reports given to
anyone who requests a forecast. A voice
from a box announces,” The Temperature
in Central Park is…" Twirling meteorological
instruments located atop the tower access
information regarding weather conditions.
The U.S. Weather Bureau has collected
data at this site since 1919.
