Central Park Landmarks
Bow Bridge Pedicab Tour in Central Park
Bow Bridge is a graceful cast-iron span across the Lake in Central Park, joining Cherry Hill to the Ramble. It is one of the most photographed spots in the park and the only one of its cast-iron bridges that crosses water.
Photo: David Joyce · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source
Quick facts
- Where
- Mid-park at about 74th Street, crossing the Lake between Cherry Hill and the Ramble
- Built
- between 1859 and 1862 (NYC Parks), in the early 1860s (Central Park Conservancy)
- Designer
- Calvert Vaux, with Jacob Wrey Mould on the ornamental railing
- Material
- cast iron, with a pine deck
- Span
- more than 60 feet over the Lake
- Named for
- its low curve, like the bow of an archer or a violin
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History
Calvert Vaux designed Bow Bridge as a major entrance to the Ramble, the wooded, winding part of the park. He and Jacob Wrey Mould created the ornamental railing, which blends Gothic, neo-classical and Renaissance details. The ironwork was made by Janes, Kirkland & Co., the firm known for casting the dome of the U.S. Capitol. Because the south bank of the Lake was higher than the north, builders raised the northern abutment so the bridge would sit level.
Bow Bridge is the only cast-iron bridge in the park that spans water. The others cross the bridle path. A restoration between 2008 and 2015 replaced the missing urns at each end, repaired the structure and abutments, repainted the bridge and replaced the deck. The Conservancy reports that new pine decking, matched to historic photographs, was completed in January 2024.
What to look for
- The urns at each end of the bridge
- The ornamental railing
- Rowboats drifting below and views of the Lake and the Ramble
- Bethesda Terrace in the distance
Visiting Bow Bridge
Bow Bridge is a short distance from Bethesda Terrace and Fountain and sits beside Cherry Hill, so the three make a natural loop. The Conservancy calls it one of the park's most romantic spots. There are no restrooms on site.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed Bow Bridge?
Calvert Vaux designed it, and Jacob Wrey Mould helped design the railing.
When was Bow Bridge built?
Between 1859 and 1862, according to NYC Parks. The Central Park Conservancy says the early 1860s.
Where is Bow Bridge?
It is mid-park at about 74th Street, crossing the Lake between Cherry Hill and the Ramble.
Why is it called Bow Bridge?
Its shallow curve resembles an archer's bow.
Sources
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