Bethesda Fountain, Central Park

The Bethesda Fountain is one of the iconic landmarks of Central Park, included in numerous movies, including Angels in America.   The area is easy to locate, mid-park and convenient from both Fifth Avenue and Central Park West at 72^nd.  It’s impossible to miss the Fountain, with the beautiful Terrace, grand staircase and plaza area, adjacent to the lovely pond with the Central Park Boathouse in the background.

The Fountain is one of the largest in New York, 26 feet high and 96 wide. It’s the only sculpture in the park to have been commissioned as part of the Park’s original design.  Known as the Angel of Waters, it features and eight-foot bronze angel standing above four small cherubim representing health, purity, temperance, and peace.  The angel herself carries a lily in one hand while the other remains outstretched, poised in the action of delivering a blessing on the water pouring from around her feet and into the basin at the bottom of the fountain. This is to commemorate the 1842 opening of the Croton Aqueduct, which supplied New York City with fresh water.

Bethesda Fountain is an excellent area for wedding photos, and one of the most alluring features of the area is the Bethesda arcade, a great “back-up” location for a wedding impacted by rain (or snow!).  A ceremony can take place near the Fountain, in the arcade (which is filled with stunning mosaics and interesting lighting), or the grand staircase and mezzanine, all featured in the slideshow below.  One consideration:  the Fountain is a busy area, filled with Park visitors and, from time-to-time street performers, so it probably wouldn’t be the best location for those seeking privacy for their special occasion.  But certainly, it is worth a visit when strolling about the Park!