Celebrate Frederick Law Olmsted’s 200th birthday with a special series of tours in his two New York City masterpieces—Prospect Park and Central Park! During these tours, guides from both parks will join together to explore Olmsted’s unique vision and legacy while comparing and contrasting the two parks and what they tell us about his evolution as a designer over the decade separating their construction. Built in different geographical and political contexts, Prospect Park and Central Park share many similar structures hallmarks—varied terrain and meandering paths to spark curiosity, grand vistas to inspire awe—that speak to Olmsted’s lasting influence on landscape design and public space — elements we continue to appreciate and benefit from today.
For this 90-minute walking tour of Prospect Park, we will take in the beauty of this iconic park’s woodlands, waterways, wildlife, and landmarks, explore the fascinating layers of natural and human history, from the flora and geology, to the architectural eras visible in the built environment, to the past and present of recreation and play. Explore how use of the park has changed over time, including projects underway today that support environmental conservation, historic preservation, and recreational and cultural access that continue Olmsted’s legacy of healthful and democratic public spaces.
Ticket price: $35