Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
Public Terrace
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, November 2025
DesignCalvert Vaux
Frederick Law Olmsted
Completion1873
ManagerCentral Park Conservancy
LocationCentral Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
Interactive map of Central Park

Bethesda Terrace and Fountain are two architectural features overlooking the southern shore of the Lake in New York City's Central Park. The fountain, with its Angel of the Waters statue, is located in the center of the terrace.

Bethesda Terrace's two levels are united by two grand staircases and a lesser one that passes under Terrace Drive. They provide passage southward to the Central Park Mall and Naumburg Bandshell at the center of the park. The upper terrace flanks the 72nd Street Cross Drive and the lower terrace provides a podium for viewing the Lake. The mustard-olive colored carved stone is New Brunswick sandstone, with a harder stone for cappings, with granite steps and landings, and herringbone pattern paving of Roman brick laid on edge.