Bethesda Fountain - Central Park

The Bethesda Fountain is located in the Bethesda Terrace, at the north end of the promenade known as the Mall, in Central Park, Manhattan. The Angel of the Waters is at the top of the Fountain and it references the Gospel of John, which describes an angel blessing the Pool of Bethesda and giving it healing powers.

Central Park first opened for public use in the winter of 1859. The masonry of the Bethesda Fountain was installed by 1863. By 1865 there was a simple fountain in the place that gushed water. The fountain in neoclassical style, measuring 26 feet high by 96 feet wide, was designed by Emma Stebbins (1815-1882) in 1868 and installed in 1873, with the eight-foot bronze sculpture of the Angel of the Waters at the top, standing above four small cherubim. The angel carries a lily in one hand while the other remains outstretched.

Above, the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park (credit: Christopher Postlewaite / NYC & Company).

Below, the Bethesda Terrace (credit: Brittany Petronella / NYC & Company).

The Bethesda Fountain in Central Park (credit: Brittany Petronella / NYC & Company). Below, the Bethesda Terrace Arcade (credit: Christopher Postlewaite / NYC & Company).