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New York City, New York / Public art

Alice in Wonderland

A whimsical, 11-foot bronze tableau in Central Park depicting Alice and her companions. This interactive monument invites visitors to step directly into the enchanted tea party of Lewis Carroll's classic tale.

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Alice in Wonderland
www.centralparknyc.org, og_image_www.centralparknyc.org

Where is the Alice in Wonderland sculpture located?

The sculpture is located on a terrace at the northern end of Conservatory Water in Central Park, Manhattan, New York City.

What is the sculpture known for?

It is an 11-foot tall bronze tableau depicting a whimsical tea party with Alice, her kitten Dinah, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, and the Cheshire Cat.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, it was intended as a place where children could experience the story in person, and its design encourages children to climb and crawl on the sculpture.

How much does it cost to visit?

Viewing the sculpture is free.

What are the hours?

The sculpture is viewable during Central Park's daily hours, from 6:00 am to 1:00 am.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Located on a terrace at the northern end of Conservatory Water, the Alice in Wonderland sculpture is a massive bronze installation that brings Lewis Carroll's imaginative world to life. The work stands 11 feet tall and is designed as an enchanted tableau, featuring Alice and her kitten, Dinah, perched atop a giant mushroom. Surrounding them are iconic figures including the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and the Cheshire Cat, all gathered for a whimsical tea party. Commissioned in 1959 by philanthropist George Delacorte, the sculpture was created by artist José de Creeft. It was dedicated on May 7, 1959, by Robert Moses and serves as the Margarita Delacorte Memorial. Delacorte intended the piece to be a gift to the children of New York City, providing a physical space where they could experience the story of Alice in person. Unlike traditional monuments, the design of this bronze statuary specifically encourages children to crawl and climb across the figures. This interactive approach allows for respite and imagination within the art itself, making it a beloved destination for families visiting the park. The terrace providing access to the sculpture is equipped with a ramp to ensure accessibility for all guests.

Visitor tips

  • The site is free to visit and open daily from 6:00 am to 1:00 am.
  • Use the ramp on the terrace for easy accessibility to the sculpture.
  • Bring a camera to capture the 11-foot tall bronze figures and the surrounding Conservatory Water scenery.

Nearby context

The sculpture is situated at the northern end of Conservatory Water, near East 74th Street and 5th Avenue, placing it in a scenic area of Central Park known for its open water and recreational activities.

Sources

Evidence and links