The Bethesda Fountain and Terrace

If you ever come to New York City one of the sights you'll want to see as a majolica collector, is the fabulous Bethesda Fountain and Terrace in Central Park.

Angel of the Waters Fountain

Built at the very height of the Civil War, between 1859-1864, the Water Terrace, as it was called, was designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead to commemorate the opening of the Croton Aqueduct which brought water to reservoirs in New York City. Designed to conform to the landscape of the area, the Terrace overlooks the Ramble and the Lake. The two grand staircases leading to the lower level, are adorned with carvings that depict the four seasons with detailed renderings of fruit, flowers, plants, and birds. Originally intended by Vaux to feature a fountain tribute to love, a sculpture by Emma Stebbins, the Angel of the Waters, a tribute to the biblical story of the angel Bethesda, was installed instead.

Water Terrace under construction

Water Terrace before the installation of the Angel of the Waters Fountain

Calvert Vaux

Frederick Law Olmstead

Emma Stebbins, right, and her partner 

Charlotte Cushman, left.

“For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool stirred up the water; 

then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, 

was made well of whatever disease he had” John 5:4

The ceiling of Minton tile designed by Jacob Wrey Mould, is one of the few great public examples of the use of British Minton tile in the United States.

Jacob Wrey Mould

It was installed in the terrace in 1869 and the fountain of Bethesda and the cherubs representing Temperance, Purity, Health and Peace were added in 1873. It was then that the area took on the name of the Bethesda Terrace.

The two staircases flanking the terrace.

Plaque in Bethesda Terrace

Detail from the terrace by Jacob Wrey Mould

Interior of Bethesda Terrace

Located in the middle of Central Park, the Terrace is located off west 72nd St. between the Breuer Building (the old Whitney Museum of Art) and the Frick Collection on the East side of the park and the fabulous Dakota Apartments on the West side.

The Terrace overlooks the Lake and is built of Brunswick sandstone in a Victorian mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Classical styles. It comprises two levels: the upper Terrace and the lower Terrace. The lower Terrace is where you will find the brilliant 16,000 Minton tiles that cover most of the wall and ceiling surfaces of the underground passageway. Covered in every conceivable kind of tile, primarily encaustic and majolica, the Terrace is one of the great wonders of New York City, a city full of wonders. Visit the official Central Park Web site.

A portion of the ceiling featuring Minton tiles.

We found online a couple of wonderful 360 degree panoramas that allows you to view the underground Terrace as if you were standing right in the center of it. The white arrows link to other panoramas taken within Central Park.

The first link shows the interior of the lower Terrace Arcade in daylight.

Bethesda Arcade Minton Tile Ceiling in Central Park

Here is another showing the underground interior Arcade in the Terrace lit up at dusk.

Bethesda Terrace, Feb.2010 in Central Park

Now somewhat worn by time, it must have astounded visitors when it was first built. 

Arcade of Bethesda Terrace at night

Restored between 1983-2007, it is a marvelous place to spend a quiet afternoon. I feel very lucky to live so close by.