Bryant Park

Overview

Bryant Park is a beautifully manicured 9.6-acre public park behind the New York Public Library in Midtown, offering a sophisticated urban oasis with year-round programming.

Highlights

• The Lawn: A lush green lawn surrounded by London plane trees and bistro-style chairs — a rare open green space in the density of Midtown Manhattan.
• Winter Village: From October to March, the park transforms with a free ice-skating rink and a massive holiday market with over 170 vendor stalls.
• Summer Films: Free Monday evening outdoor film screenings on the lawn draw thousands of New Yorkers with blankets and picnics.

History

Named after poet and journalist William Cullen Bryant, the park was a notorious drug-dealing site in the 1970s–80s. A dramatic 1992 redesign raised the ground level, improved sightlines, and transformed it into one of the best-managed public spaces in the world.

Visitor Tips

• Free Chairs: Green metal chairs are free to move and use anywhere in the park — a deliberate design choice.
• Le Carrousel: A beautiful French-style carousel operates year-round in the park.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.