Central Park Photos Show Manhattan's Lifeblood
A photo essay by Smithsonian magazine captures Central Park's role as Manhattan's vital green space, featuring 15 images by various photographers. The park, opened in 1858, offers year-round activities from gondola rides to ice-skating. Highlights include Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Originally Lenape land, later settled by free Black Americans and Irish immigrants, the park now attracts over 40 million annual visitors. Photographers include Jeffrey Barsky (2025), Siu Lau (2019), Ellen Speiser (2022, 2024), Foster Marrero (2013), William Caruso (2015), Jonathon Hwong (2017), Jan Ponnet (2022), Sebastien Bossu (2017), Eric Falk (2015), Troy Hudson (2024), Louis Pioli (2023), Devanté Parson (2020), Emma Glynn (2021), and Michael Boyle (2010). The essay is edited by Jeff Campagna and Tracy Scott Forson.
Key facts
- Central Park opened in 1858.
- Over 40 million visitors annually.
- Features Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
- Originally Lenape land, later settled by free Black Americans and Irish immigrants.
- 15 photos by various photographers from 2010 to 2025.
- Photo essay published by Smithsonian magazine.
- Edited by Jeff Campagna and Tracy Scott Forson.
- Bow Bridge built in 1862, spans 60 feet.
Entities
Artists
- Jeffrey Barsky
- Siu Lau
- Ellen Speiser
- Foster Marrero
- William Caruso
- Jonathon Hwong
- Jan Ponnet
- Sebastien Bossu
- Eric Falk
- Troy Hudson
- Louis Pioli
- Devanté Parson
- Emma Glynn
- Michael Boyle
Institutions
- Smithsonian magazine
Locations
- Central Park
- New York
- Manhattan
- Bethesda Terrace
- Bethesda Arcade
- Bethesda Fountain
- Belvedere Castle
- Bow Bridge
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
- Sheep Meadow
- Central Park Lake