Belvedere Castle is one of Central Park's five visitor centers. Calvert Vaux, co-designer of the Park, created the miniature castle in 1869 as a whimsical structure looking out on the reservoir to the north (now the Great Lawn) and the Ramble to the south. Belvedere provides the highest and best views of the Park and the adjacent cityscape. The castle's name is fitting, because it translates to "beautiful view" in Italian.
"Right now, the temperature in Central Park is...." That information, heard frequently on radio and TV, originates here at Belvedere Castle. Since 1919, the National Weather Service has taken measurements of New York's weather from the castle's tower with the aid of scientific instruments that measure wind speed and direction. In a fenced-in compound just south of the castle, other weather data such as rainfall are recorded and sent to the weather service's forecast office at Brookhaven National Library on Long Island.
After decades of deterioration, Central Park Conservancy renovated and reopened the castle in 1983 as a visitor center and gift shop.
The Belvedere Castle will be made ADA accessible, the castle’s wood pavilions will be restored, its masonry will be cleaned and reset, and the windows, main entrance, and upper terrace doors will be replaced by clear-pane glass to mirror the castle’s original design when it was built in 1842 (among other changes).
Some of the changes at the Bernard Family Playground include new swings, benches, and plantings. At the Billy Johnson playground, changes include a new water feature with spray jets, and the addition of rustic arbors, pergolas, and benches. The castle and the playgrounds will likely close for the duration of the renovation, but accessibility will be determined during the current public review process.
Latest Reviews
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Michael Holden
08 Feb 2018
3.0
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Alissa Sherlock
17 Feb 2018
3.0
Parking: 3.0
Accessibility: 2.0
Toilets: 3.0
Staff: 4.0
Read All ReviewsSituated in the middle of Central Park, Belvedere Castle is authentic. If you have ever watched the Smurfs, then its a must see. Getting to it is all on smooth paths, although there is a steep incline just as you approach the castle itself. There is a gift shop, which was too small for me to get into and the highest tower is inaccessible. However, the rest of the castle from the outside and the view over the walls is excellent.
This castle is such a great stop for anyone… except, anyone with a stroller or wheelchair that wants to go on the top 2 levels. The stairs are built narrow and there is NO elevator. However, you can still see the sights and same view. So, for people with stroller or wheelchair, you will enjoy it – anyway. Parents may take turns checking out the top levels.