8. Conservatory Garden
Many people go to the south entrances of Central Park only to find as many people clambering over the rocks and pathways as on the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue. But venture north and the park becomes a place of peace and tranquility. The Conservatory Garden is a perfect example of this. Tucked into the northeast corner of the park, between 104th and 105th street, it is Central Park’s formal garden and a six-acre formally designated Quiet Space.
Split up by style into the Italian, French, and English landscapes, the three distinct gardens within offer different beautiful flora and sculptures. Each garden has its own unique attractions. The Italian garden features a 12-foot high jet fountain, the French garden contains a a beautiful spring tulip display and Three Dancing Maidens sculpture, and the English garden includes a sculpture dedicated to the children’s classic novel The Secret Garden. Built in 1934 to replace the massive glass conservatory from which it got its name, the garden is also steeped in history. It’s entrance gate is part of the Vanderbilt Mansion that originally stood on Fifth Avenue between 104 and 105th streets, and today it preserves this historical significance within a beautiful public space.