Central Park Conservancy to Restore Bethesda Fountain and Conservatory Water Basin
A $37 million restoration project for Bethesda Fountain and Conservatory Water Basin, two well-known attractions in Central Park, has been announced by the Central Park Conservancy. The project will be overseen by the organization's in-house design team. Bethesda Fountain, which was finished in 1873 by Calvert Vaux, Jacob Wrey Mould, and Emma Stebbins, has been a site for bike rentals and the filming of Gossip Girl. Concurrently completed, the Conservatory Water Basin was designed by Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. The restoration will focus on enhancing accessibility and repairing damage. Bethesda Fountain will close for a year starting in August 2026, with basin repairs commencing later that year, aiming for completion by spring 2028.
Key facts
- Central Park Conservancy announced $37 million restoration of Bethesda Fountain and Conservatory Water Basin.
- Bethesda Fountain was completed in 1873, designed by Calvert Vaux, Jacob Wrey Mould, and Emma Stebbins.
- Angel of Waters statue at fountain center was created by Emma Stebbins.
- Fountain has been used for bike-rentals, a cafe, and a Gossip Girl wedding scene.
- Conservatory Water Basin was designed by Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, inspired by Luxembourg Gardens.
- Robert Moses completed a masterplan for the basin in the 1950s, including Kerbs Boathouse.
- Bethesda Fountain will be turned off for one year starting August 2026 for repairs.
- Restorations are scheduled for completion by spring 2028.
Entities
Artists
- Calvert Vaux
- Jacob Wrey Mould
- Emma Stebbins
- Frederick Law Olmsted
- Robert Moses
Institutions
- Central Park Conservancy
- Kerbs Boathouse
- Davis Center
- Harlem Meer
- Lasker Rink
Locations
- Central Park
- New York City
- United States
- Paris
- France
- Luxembourg Gardens