conservatory garden tour

Conservatory Garden

The Summer Conservatory Garden

Enjoy a stroll through the italian, english and french style gardens. .

Restoration of the Conservatory Garden hardscapes is currently in progress and should be finished in early 2025.  

The North (French-style) Garden, pathways within the Center (Italianate) Garden, and Vanderbilt Gate are all currently closed to visitors as part of the ongoing restoration efforts. The restoration of the South (English-style) Garden is finished, and this area is now accessible to the public.

Most of the hardscapes are original from 1937 construction and are in great need of infrastructure upgrades. More info here .

Located at 5th Avenue and 105th street and open daily from 8am until dusk, Conservatory Garden is the only formal garden found in Central Park. The quiet, calm atmosphere of the Garden free from runners and bicyclists makes it an ideal spot for weddings and relaxing afternoon walks. 

Along with Conservatory Water, Conservatory Garden was opened in 1937 to replace the original but quickly deteriorating structure that had been a part of the park's initial plan. The Garden, designed by Gilmore D. Clarke, is composed of six acres of beautiful seasonal plants that are arranged into three styles: English, French, and Italian.

Visitors can find their way into the garden by entering through the Vanderbilt Gate, which formerly served as an entrance to the Vanderbilt mansion. From there, guests can stroll through the magnolia and lilac trees of the English garden, stopping to admire the statue of well-known author Frances Hodgson Burnett. To the north lies the Italian garden, featuring crabapple and yew trees in addition to a large fountain and a wisteria pergola. The French garden offers spring tulips in abundance and contains Walter Schott's sculpture, Three Dancing Maidens .

Find out more about the  Conservatory Garden Flowers  and check out the Bloom Schedule here.

After having been largely neglected for several decades, Conservatory Garden experienced its first major restoration in the 1980's and was reopened in 1987. In more recent years, the Garden has been restored by the Central Park Conservancy, as have all of Central Park's major sites.

Visitor Info

• Park Contact Info

Most Popular

• Strawberry Fields
• Central Park Zoo
• Ice Skating
• Horse & Carriage Rides
• Bike Rentals
• Yoga Classes
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Advertising

Copyright © 2004 - 2024 Greensward Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

About Central Park

Find all the information you need to enjoy your visit to New York City’s iconic Central Park.

Untermyer Fountain

One of the hidden wonders of Central Park is the Conservatory Garden at Fifth Avenue and 105th St. A secluded oasis, just a few steps down from one of the City’s busiest thoroughfares; the garden offers a fragrant respite from the gasp and clatter of the urban afternoon.

To enter the six-acre Garden from Fifth Avenue and 105th Street, you must pass through the Vanderbilt Gate. Installed in 1939, it originally served as the entrance to the Vanderbilt Mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street (at the present site of the Bergdorf Goodman department store) until its demolition in 1927. One of the best examples of wrought iron work in New York City, the gate was made in France with designs by American architect George B. Post. The only formal garden in Central Park, the Conservatory Garden derives its name from a huge glass conservatory that once stood on the same spot, which was built in 1898. While not the impressive construct included by Olmsted and Vaux in the original Greensward Plan, it was put to brilliant use by the head gardener of the new park, Ignaz Pilat. It was here that many of the first shrubs and trees that were later planted in the park were first cultivated. When maintenance of the facility became too costly it was torn down in 1934 and replaced with the present garden in 1934.

The Conservatory Garden is filled with a myriad of plant life, from carefully cultivated heirloom roses to the most common of indigenous flowers, while portions of the grounds are delineated by hedges of English yew, barberry, Korean holly and the serendipitously named "Manhattan." The Garden itself is divided into three distinct sections, each representing its own specific style. These are the north (or French Garden), the Central (or Italian Garden) and the south (or English Garden).

The North Garden

The north garden is patterned in the classical French style. At its center is a lovely fountain named the Three Dancing Maidens, constructed in 1910 by the famed German Sculptor Walter Schott. (It is also known, somewhat less euphoniously, as the Untermeyer Fountain, after the family who presented it to the City in 1947.) The fountain is surrounded by sloping beds which display a dazzling array of floral designs, which change seasonally. From the twenty thousand tulips that brilliantly proclaim the end of winter to the 2,000 Korean chrysanthemums which bloom in the fall each change in the climate is marked by yet another brilliant floral display. And representing the four seasons are the four entryways to the garden's center, the arbors festooned with climbing "Silver Moon" roses, which produce gleaming white and pink hued blossoms in June.

The Central Garden

At the center lies the Italian style garden. It is bordered on both north and south sides by walkways lined with crabapple trees, which bloom in the spring. Above it, on the west side, is a wrought-iron wisteria pergola which looks down on a beautiful geyser fountain. This array is especially lovely in the spring when the pergola is covered with violet flowers. In the middle lies the meticulously clipped green lawn, providing a restful and understated stage from which to view the floral extravagance surrounding it. The Italian Garden is also the favorite spot of wedding photographers and virtually any season will find couples from all over the world waiting to have their pictures taken.

The South Garden

The Secret Garden

The southern garden features the English style and as such is much less formal than the other two. It is planted to be enjoyed the year round and almost every week there are new blooms to admire. At the center is a bronze sculpture, the Burnett Fountain, depicting a young boy and girl. Based on characters from The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett the fountain was designed and constructed in 1936 by Bessie Potter Vonnoh. It is surrounded by a reflecting pool upon which float hundreds of water lilies and in which swim dozens of extremely sophisticated goldfish (don’t forget the address).

Ringing the fountain and pool are the seasonal planting beds. Around this are arranged an amazing collection of perennial trees and shrubs, which now features, at its southern end a restful shade garden. Perhaps the most popular of the three the English Garden, with its revolving display of seasonal blooms and quiet, magnolia scented walkways, is the favorite of readers, gardeners, strollers and the contentedly sighing stare-ers into space. Stepping through the Vanderbilt Gates offers not only a change of pace and locale, but also the illusion of temporal transport. You not only leave behind the sights and sounds of the city, but the date as well.

Permission to hold weddings can be arranged by calling (212) 360-2766 or (212) 860-1382.

Location: 5th Ave and 105th St.

Details: The Conservatory Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk. Free tours start at the front gate Saturday at 11 a.m., April - October.

The CentralPark.org Conservatory Garden section below includes a comprehensive inventory of the twenty-seven flowering plants, shrubs and trees that grace the Garden.  And now with The Conservatory Garden Bloom Schedule below, you can not only discover when your favorite flower will be decorating the garden, but you can also find out fascinating background facts about each bloom.  Every plant article is also accompanied by a full color photo so identification is easier than ever.  So enjoy a stroll around the beautiful Conservatory Garden, either in person or online, and learn more about your favorite blossoms.

Conservatory Garden Bloom Guide

[pano file=”https://centralpark.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/617407151.417719-2-scaled.jpg” width=”1200″ height=”800″ title=”Conservatory Garden” panobox=”on”]

Iconic Central Park Poster

Click image to enlarge

Available Now Get yours here!

centralparknewyork

Central Park - the Heart of the New York City! #CentralPark

Conservatory Garden

You'll see on, central park bike tour.

Looking for a unique and unforgettable way to experience Central Park? Look no further than our highly-rated Central Park bike tour! Ranked as one of the top 5 things to do in Central Park by TripAdvisor, our bike ...

Central Park Pedicab Tour

Explore Central Park in style with our Central Park pedicab tour! TripAdvisor has ranked our tour as one of the top 5 things to do in Central Park. Our tour covers the entire length of Central Park, offering an ama...

Preserving, sharing, and celebrating america’s gardens The Garden Conservancy

Welcome to Open Days

Showing all locations:.

Sat, Sep 7 | Saugerties , NY

Digging Deeper: Diversity on a Cut Flower Farm

with Karin and Dennis Skalla

Sat, Sep 7 | Stone Ridge , NY

Digging Deeper: Dynamic Successional Mosaic Landscape

with David Nyzio

Sat, Sep 7 | Bridgehampton , NY

Digging Deeper: Late Summer on Long Island

with Loren Skeist

Sat, Sep 7 | Short Hills , NJ

Digging Deeper: The History of Greenwood Gardens: Presentation; From Pleasant Days to Greenwood: A Century of Change in the Garden followed by a one-hour Guided Walking Tour

Sat, Sep 7 | Multiple Locations

Essex County, NJ Open Day

Suffolk County, NY Open Day

Ulster County, NY Open Day

The 2024 Open Days in Ulster County presented in partnership with Hortus Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Sat, Sep 14 | Mahwah , NJ

Bergen County, NJ Open Day

Sat, Sep 14 | Multiple Locations

Bristol County, MA and Providence County, RI Open Day

Sat, Sep 14 | Westport , CT

Digging Deeper: Bees, Bees, Bees!

with Cindy Shumate and Gabriele Kallenborn

Sat, Sep 14 | Greenwich , CT

Digging Deeper: Extending the Season with Flowers, Foliage, and Fruit

with Kristi Stromberg Wright, Horticulturist, and Alan Gorkin, Head Gardener

Sat, Sep 14 | Providence , RI

Digging Deeper: Sharing Your Garden as a Community Garden

with Katherine Brown

NYCA Artists

Sergey Kuznetsov

The Russian-born pianist and music pedagogue, Sergey [Sergei] Kuznetsov, was born to a family of musicians and started his musical education at the age of 5 at the Moscow Special Gnessin School of Music (Music School affiliated to the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatoire), and in 1998 was admitted to the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire to the class of an outstanding professor Mikail Voskresensky, graduating in 2001 with distinction. Since 2001, Sergey perfected his performing skills at postgraduate courses with Oleg Maisenberg in Vienna University of Music and, since 2003, at Moscow Conservatory with Mikhail Voskresensky. In 2003 he was awarded his Diploma with High Distinction. In 2002 Sergey received the prestigious Lili Kraus Scholarship at TCU (Fort Worth, Texas) and commenced his Artist Diploma studies with Professor Tamás Ungár. After winning a conspicuous scholarship, Sergey was widening his education under the guidance of Joaquín Achúcarro at Dallas Southern Methodist University. Currently, Sergey is a DMA (Doctorate Degree) student at University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles under the guidance of a legendary professor Daniel Pollack (Piano). Sergey also studies composition and electro acoustic media at USC.

In 1999, Sergey Kuznetsov received First Prize at the A.M.A. Calabria International Competition (Italy); in 2000, he became a laureate of the Alicia de Larrocha Competition in Andorra. In 2003, he won Second Prize at the 9th International Geza Anda Competition in Zürich, as well as the Audience Prize and an engagement to perform at the Lucerne International Festival. In the summer of 2005, he was awarded Second Prize at the renowned Cleveland International Piano Competition, and in November 2006, he won Second Prize at the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition in Japan. Other notable events included winning international prizes at China International Piano Competition (Beijing, 2004), Hilton Head International Piano competition (USA, 2003), Esther Honens International Piano Competition (special prize, Calgary, Canada, 2003), Caltanissetta International Competition (Italy, 1999), International Piano Competition in Houston, Texas (2005).

Sergey Kuznetsov has performed extensively throughout the world, both as soloist and chamber musician. He has gained success performing in Russia, Spain, Great Britain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, USA, Japan, Cyprus and in the Netherlands. He works with such collectives as the Shostakovich String Quartet, Ysaye String Quartet, Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio, Cleveland Orchestra, Ferenc Liszt Chamber Orchestra, Stuttgarter Philharmoniker, Winterthur Orchestra, Berliner Symphoniker and Münchner Symphoniker and such conductors as Janos Furst, Misha Damev, Nikolay Alexeev, Theodor Guschlbauer, Volker Schmidt-Gertenbach, Jahja Ling, Georg Schmohe and Walter Weller. After winning the 3rd China International Piano competition, Sergey Kuznetsov has become a frequent performer in China. He has performed as a soloist with Beijing Symphony, Shenzhen Symphony and Taipei Symphony orchestras. He was invited to make studio recording for a young artist program in the Radio & Television (CCTV) in Shenzhen.

Sergey Kuznetsov cooperates with prominent artistic agencies such as KD Schmid Hanover, Pro Arte Frankfurt and participates in numerous International Music Festivals such as those in Kyoto and Yokohama (Japan), Cyprus, Merano (Italy), Zürich and Lucerne Festivals, Ernen Musikfestspiele, Bodensee Festival, Irina Arkhipova Festival, Musical Olympus (Russia) and Lockehnhaus Festival (Austria).

Since 2006, Sergey Kuznetsov has been working as an assistant at the Moscow Conservatory. He also works as a Teaching Assistant at University of Southern California and organizes successful chamber music ensembles and projects at USC. In August 2008 his trio XYZ has toured France and collaborated with a number of famous French musicians.

During his studies in the USA, Sergey Kuznetsov has always enjoyed teaching and advocating classical music amongst various groups of people. In 2003 he organized series of educational projects in collaboration with Van Cliburn Foundation. The mission was to bring classical music to children whose parents can’t afford education. The project had become so popular in Texas that Sergey had to travel around the state with his lectures and concerts. In 2005-2007 he worked as a Teaching Assistant in Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Several of his students have won national and international prizes that supported their way towards studies in music. Sergey’s approach in piano pedagogy is to show his students how great and large the world of music actually is. His knowledge of piano repertoire is impressive after taking a special advanced piano repertoire course at USC. He uses methods and books published in Russia, Europe and the United States, incorporating music theory, technique exercises, ear training and composition into his lessons. Sergey is a member of MTAC and MTNA.

His performances have been broadcast on German-language Swiss Radio (DRS2), French-language Swiss Radio (RSR Espace 2), Radio France, Czech Music Radio, WCLV, WQXR (USA), Orpheus Radio Russia, Serbian Radio and TV and MEZZO TV. In 2002, Sergey recorded a CD for Classical Records with works by Johannes Brahms, Franz Liszt and Scriabin. Another CD with works by Schumann and J. Brahms was released in 2007.

Preserving, sharing, and celebrating america’s gardens The Garden Conservancy

St. Louis Garden Tour

Sun, jun 9, 2024.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is pleased to present its triennial Garden Tour, with special pricing for Garden Conservancy members.  Please call (314) 577-5100 and mention that you are a member of the Garden Conservancy to receive membership pricing.

The Garden Conservancy is not ticketing for this event. For more information about this event, please visit their  website.

Visit our partner in St. Louis, Missouri...