See Frederick Law Olmsted’s lasting influence on park innovation in New York City with “Parks Now: Honoring the Olmsted Legacy,” on view at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park. The commemorative exhibition looks at recent NYC Parks projects that incorporate various Olmsted design principles, including site responsiveness, respect for nature, and the orchestration of movement. With renderings, site plans, and photos, the show highlights 10 park renovations throughout the city:
Bronx: Hugh Grant Circle/Virginia Park and Concrete Plant Park
Brooklyn: Lincoln Terrace Playground and Sunset Park Playground
Manhattan: Monsignor Kett Playground and Central Park’s Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink and Pool)
Queens: Elmhurst Park and Bayswater Park
Staten Island: Faber Park and Richmond Terrace

April 26, 2022 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903), a pioneer landscape architect famous for his work co-designing Central Park, Prospect Park, and other well-known urban green spaces. From the democratization of public parks to the contouring of landscape and terrain to create a variety of visual experience, Olmsted was a seminal force in the design of our parks and how they are used.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Mask-wearing is required to enter the gallery, and guests are required to sign in. Groups of five or more people can call 212-360-8114 or email artandantiquities@parks.nyc.gov to pre-register.

The Arsenal Gallery is located at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue inside Central Park, Third Floor of the Arsenal Building. Gallery hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

*The Arsenal Gallery will be closed on Memorial Day on Monday, May 30, 2022.