You Fine Sculpture
Central Park is more than New York City’s green heart; it’s a vast, open-air museum. Scattered across its 843 acres are some of the world’s most beloved and iconic bronze figure sculptures. These statues are not just decorations—they are silent storytellers, immortalizing fictional characters, real-life heroes, and timeless ideals. They have become cherished landmarks, integral to the park’s identity and the daily experience of millions.
For art lovers, history buffs, or anyone planning a visit, here is your guide to the ten most popular and must-see bronze figures in Central Park.
Top 1 Alice in Wonderland
Artist: José de Creeft
Installed: 1959
Location: North of the Conservatory Water (near E. 74th St.)
Perhaps the park’s most interactive masterpiece, this large, whimsical sculpture invites children (and the young at heart) to climb, touch, and explore. Depicting Alice perched on a giant mushroom with the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, and Cheshire Cat, it’s a tribute to imagination, funded by a philanthropist in memory of his mother, who loved reading the story to children.
Top 2 Balto
Artist: Frederick George Richard Roth
Installed: 1925
Location: East Drive, north of the Zoo (near E. 67th St.)
This statue celebrates a true hero. Balto was the sled dog who led the final leg of a 1925 serum run to save the children of Nome, Alaska, from a diphtheria outbreak. Captured mid-stride with a determined gaze, the bronze Balto has a polished, shiny back from decades of affectionate pats from admirers. It’s a timeless tribute to courage and endurance.
Top 3 The Pilgrim
Artist: John Quincy Adams Ward
Installed: 1885
Location: North of Sheep Meadow (on a hilltop near W. 72nd St.)
One of the park’s oldest and most dignified statues, The Pilgrim honors the early settlers of New England. The figure stands tall, clad in simple Puritan attire with a Bible in one hand and a walking staff in the other, gazing solemnly into the distance. It embodies resilience, faith, and the foundational spirit of America, offering a moment of quiet reflection.
Top 4 Romeo and Juliet
Artist: Milton Hebald
Installed: 1977
Location: Outside the Delacorte Theater (near W. 81st St.)
Positioned fittingly near the theater that hosts Shakespeare in the Park, this lyrical sculpture captures literature’s most famous lovers in a tender, swirling embrace. The fluid lines and romantic grace of the piece make it a favorite spot for couples and a beautiful representation of dramatic art meeting visual art.
Top 5 The Falconer
Artist: George Blackall Simonds
Installed: 1875
Location: South of the Conservatory Water (near E. 72nd St.)
This elegant, European-style statue depicts a gentleman releasing a falcon into flight. It symbolizes a harmonious connection between humanity and nature—a core philosophy behind Central Park itself. The dynamic pose and detailed craftsmanship have made it a classic feature of the park’s more refined landscape for nearly 150 years.
Top 6 Hans Christian Andersen
Artist: Georg John Lober
Installed: 1956
Location: West of the Conservatory Water (near E. 74th St.)
Sitting with a book in hand, the beloved Danish storyteller is depicted reading his tale The Ugly Duckling to a duck at his feet. This charming statue becomes a living part of the park every summer during weekly storytelling hours, where real children gather at his feet to hear fairy tales, continuing his legacy.
Top 7 Simon Bolivar
Artist: Sally James Farnham
Installed: 1921
Location: Central Park South & Avenue of the Americas (W. 59th St.)
Part of the “Heroes of the Americas” series along the park’s southern edge, this equestrian statue portrays “El Libertador,” who led several South American countries to independence. It’s a powerful, commanding work that adds an international historical dimension to the park’s perimeter and celebrates the ideals of freedom.
Top 8 Indian Hunters
Artist: John Quincy Adams Ward
Installed: 1869
Location: South of the Mall (near W. 66th St.)
Notable as one of the first American sculptures to depict a Native American subject with respect and dignity, this work shows a hunter with his dog, poised and alert. It’s a significant piece of 19th-century American art that adds depth and historical context to the park’s collection.
Top 9 Duke Ellington
Artist: Robert Graham
Installed: 1997
Location: Duke Ellington Circle (at 5th Ave. and 110th St.)
This unique and modern memorial to the jazz legend consists of a 25-foot column topped with a crescent moon, at the base of which stand three nude, caryatid-like figures supporting a platform where a smaller, stylized figure of Ellington plays a piano. Its abstract beauty is a fitting tribute to the composer’s innovative genius.
Top 10 Still Hunt
Artist: Edward Kemeys
Installed: 1883
Location: East Drive, on a rock outcrop (near W. 76th St.)
This masterpiece of naturalism is often a startling surprise. A life-sized mountain cougar is crouched stealthily on a rock, forever poised to pounce on passing park-goers along the road below. Its incredible realism and thrilling placement make it a uniquely exciting and memorable piece of the park’s wildlife art.
The Art of Lasting Legacy: From Central Park to Your Space
These bronze figures endure because they tell stories we connect with—of heroism, imagination, love, and history. They show how public art can define a place and become part of our shared memory.
This power of bronze to capture narrative and emotion is exactly what drives the work of dedicated foundries today. At YouFine Art Sculpture, we understand that a custom bronze statue is more than an ornament; it’s a way to personalize a space with meaning, whether it’s a portrait for a garden, an animal for an estate, or an abstract piece for a corporate plaza.
Like the artists of Central Park, we employ the timeless lost-wax casting method to achieve fine detail and enduring quality. We work with clients worldwide to turn their vision—be it a personal tribute, a cultural symbol, or a purely artistic statement—into a permanent bronze legacy.
Inspired to create your own enduring piece? Explore the possibilities of custom bronze art. Contact YouFine to discuss how we can help bring your artistic vision to life in a medium that stands the test of time.
Panda, a 20-year veteran of bronze casting, is one of the co-founders and lead artisan of YouFine Art Bronze Foundry. Deeply rooted in the foundry, she has mastered every detail of the craft. Her expertise guarantees that each sculpture embodies the highest standards of quality and artistic integrity.