Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / Public art

Duke Ellington Monument

A monumental 25-foot high sculpture honoring jazz legend Duke Ellington, located at the northeast corner of Central Park, serving as a gateway to Harlem.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Duke Ellington Monument
www.nycgovparks.org, website_hero_img_www.nycgovparks.org

Where is the Duke Ellington Monument located?

The monument is located at Duke Ellington Circle at Fifth Avenue and 110th Street, situated at the northeast corner of Central Park and the gateway to Harlem.

What is the Duke Ellington Monument known for?

It is the first monument in New York City dedicated to an African American and the first memorial to Duke Ellington in the United States. It honors the American jazz pianist, composer, and orchestra leader.

What does the sculpture look like?

The 25-foot high heroic-scale sculpture depicts Duke Ellington standing beside a concert grand piano. The figure and piano sit on a circular platform supported by nine caryatid figures on three triform columns.

Who designed the monument?

The monument was designed by sculptor Robert Graham. Fundraising for the project was led by Bobby Short, who also selected Graham for the commission.

When was the monument unveiled?

The monument was dedicated and unveiled on July 1, 1997.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Duke Ellington Monument is a heroic-scale sculpture that pays tribute to the American jazz pianist, composer, and orchestra leader Edward “Duke” Kennedy Ellington. Unveiled on July 1, 1997, the monument is situated at Duke Ellington Circle, where Fifth Avenue and 110th Street meet at the northeast corner of Central Park. It was designed by the renowned sculptor Robert Graham and gifted to the city by the Duke Ellington Memorial Fund. Architecturally, the monument features a standing figure of Ellington beside a concert grand piano on a circular platform. This platform is supported by three groups of three caryatids, totaling nine caryatid figures on three triform columns. The sculpture is set within a multi-leveled semi-circular plaza, creating a striking visual presence at the entrance to Harlem. Beyond its artistic design, the monument holds significant historical weight. It is recognized as the first monument in New York City dedicated to an African American and the first memorial to Ellington in the United States. Additionally, it is one of four African-American figures honored along Central Park North, alongside Malcolm X, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., and Frederick Douglass. Fundraising for the project was led by Bobby Short, who also selected Robert Graham as the sculptor to bring this vision to life. The placement of the monument at the gateway to Harlem reflects Ellington's deep creative and personal ties to the community where he lived for much of his adult life.

Visitor tips

  • Allow a few minutes to walk around the circular platform to appreciate the nine caryatid figures supporting the base.
  • Use the northeast corner of Central Park as a starting point for a walk through Harlem's historic districts.
  • Visit during the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic at the Fifth Avenue and 110th Street intersection.

Nearby context

The monument sits at the northeast corner of Central Park, marking the transition between the park's greenery and the vibrant culture of Harlem, acting as a gateway to the neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links