February 22, 1732 marked the birth of our nation’s first President, George Washington. Nowadays, the founding father’s birthday is celebrated as a federal holiday on Presidents Day, along with Abraham Lincoln’s, on the third Monday of February.
What does this have to do with Bryant Park?
In 1932, a replica of Federal Hall was constructed in the park to celebrate the bicentennial of George Washington. The original building was located on Wall Street and it was there that Washington took his first oath of office.
Shortly after the celebration, and filled with debris and construction equipment from the Sixth Avenue subway project, Bryant Park underwent a redesign by architect Lusby Simpson and Park’s Commissioner Robert Moses, bringing it one step closer to the lush Midtown oasis you see today.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Bryant Park is excited to host Earth From Above, an outdoor exhibition of large scale aerial photographs by renowned photographer and environmentalist Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
Free and open to the public from April 2 through May 28, 2010, Earth From Above at Bryant Park will feature 115 stunning aerial photographs of the planet, accompanied by related information on environmental and social issues facing the world today. The exhibit will also include an inspiration center to motivate visitors to support sustainable living, a commitment center for scheduling personal action steps, a walkable world map, and a one of a kind exhibition for the visually impaired.
Earth From Above has visited over 120 cities worldwide since the exhibit’s debut in Paris in 2000. The Bryant Park installation marks the launch of Earth From Above’s first United States tour.
Visit pictureearth.org for more information and a preview of Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s beautiful images before they are put on display in the park.
Earth From Above A public art exhibit April 2 – May 28, 2010 Bryant Park
Outcry emerges for 41st St. stop on new 7-line from Crain’s New York Business After city abandons plans for new 7 train stop at 41st Street and 10th Avenue, real estate leaders launch petition to support construction of the station
Come mix and mingle with fellow bloggers and Twitter lovers tonight at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the winterized Porch (think firepit, heatlamps, and slankets), great conversation, and complimentary drinks and snacks by ‘wichcraft.
Perhaps the park played a role in your Valentine’s Day this year? An anniversary dinner at the Bryant Park Grill, a romantic stroll under the London Planes, or a marriage proposal on Le Carrousel…if you and your significant other are a “Bryant Park Couple” we want to know! Learn more here.
Here’s a piece of Bryant Park/US President trivia you may not know.
During the 1992 Democratic National Convention, a rally for presidential candidate Bill Clinton was held in Bryant Park. Recognize our neighbor, the Grace Building, in the photo below?
Do you blog? Use Twitter? Come mix and mingle with fellow bloggers and Twitter lovers at Bryant Park’s Southwest Porch, brought to you by Southwest Airlines, ‘wichcraft, and Bryant Park Corporation.
What: Mix and Mingle, a tweet-up/blog meet-up When: Wednesday, February 17, 6pm - 8pm Where: Southwest Porch at Bryant Park Why: Free drinks, appetizers, and a little mix and mingle
One Last Time, Fashion Under a Tent from The New York Times A history of Fashion Week at Bryant Park and it’s move to Lincoln Center in September
On our radar
Send photo, get action from The Boston Globe Via iPhone application, Boston residents can alert city officials of street-level problems in their neighborhoods
A Closing on Broadway Becomes Permanent from The New York Times City Room Blog Temporary pedestrian plazas on Broadway, created by the Department of Transportation in May 2009, become permanent NYC amenities. Read more about the project here
Almost everyone is familiar with Patience and Fortitude, the regal stone lions who watch over the New York Public Library. But a closer look throughout Bryant Park and the Library Terrace reveals more creatures than you may have seen at first glance.
Often overlooked are the bronze bases of two flagpoles at the north and south ends of the Library Terrace. The bases prominently feature four human figures, but peeking out from below each corner is a vicious looking little turtle.
Closer to the top of the bases, cattle skulls and whimsical owl heads mingle with decorative leaves and fruit garlands.
From park records, it seems that the bronze flagpole bases were placed on the Library Terrace around 1911 when the building was completed. Bryant Park Corporation’s archivist is currently researching the significance of the flagpole bases for future posts on the park’s rich history.
Around the corner in the library’s backyard, each entrance to Bryant Park is flanked by two torchieres topped with glass globe lights. The bronze bases of these fixtures are adorned with faces of rams with curly horns, who silently acknowledge park visitors and passersby.
Ten sets of torchieres surround the park and an eleventh set sits at the 42nd Street entrance to the library. The two original torchieres were placed at the library’s side entrance circa 1915. The rest of the fixtures were created and placed in the early 1990’s, when BPC removed one of the originals and sent it away to be reproduced.
Along the park’s many pathways you’ll encounter pigeons, small birds, and occasionally, a lion. The small feline heads on the park’s larger planters often go unnoticed in the warmer months when plants are in full bloom and cascade over the vessel’s edges.
Set into the urns that sit atop the balustrade wall surrounding Bryant Park’s lawn, these little guys have the best view for people watching, all year long.
The Bryant Park Grill is a great excuse to visit the park if the winter blues have been keeping you away. Located behind the New York Public Library at the Southeast corner of the park, the Grill serves brunch, lunch, and dinner in a sophisticated dining room and boasts a beautiful bar area.
The menu is full of delicious winter dishes to help tide you over until Spring. Offerings include Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Chowder, Crispy Duck Confit and Asparagus Salad, and Jumbo Lump Crabcakes, to name a few.
End the meal with a divine dessert like Creme Brulee or Peach Upside Down Cake, by chef Anne-Marie (who created an adorable cake last summer for our 75th Anniversary Celebration of the park’s London Plane Trees).
If that isn’t enticing enough, many movies, including 2009 hits Julie & Julia and It’s Complicated, have filmed scenes at the Grill and it’s not uncommon to spot a celebrity dining a few tables away.
