Verdant Beauty, Wide-Open Spaces, Elegant Architecture: Have a Look at 15 Photos That Show Why Central Park Is the Lifeblood of Manhattan

Since its wintry opening in 1858, Central Park has been a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of New York, which can overwhelm residents and visitors alike. Offering gondola rides, carousels and swimming in the summer and ice-skating, horse-drawn carriages and sledding as temperatures drop, Central Park is a dream for those who love the outdoors. For more than 100 years, its natural beauty and open spaces have complemented its architectural treasures, such as Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle and Bow Bridge. Originally home to the Lenape, part of the land was settled by free Black Americans and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Today, Central Park welcomes more than 40 million visitors from around the world each year. A guest star in just about every movie filmed in New York, it’s as much an icon of the Big Apple as Times Square, the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. See for yourself. Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine. Planning Your Next Trip? Explore great travel deals A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.