New York City, New York / Landmarks
Greystone Knoll (Cleopatra's Needle)
An ancient Egyptian obelisk from 1475 B.C., gifted to the United States and standing as the oldest man-made object in Central Park.
Where is Greystone Knoll (Cleopatra's Needle) located?
It is located in Central Park, Manhattan, at East Drive and 81st Street, situated on a knoll behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
What is it known for?
It is a 69-foot-tall pink granite obelisk dating to 1475 B.C. and is recognized as the oldest man-made object in Central Park and the oldest outdoor monument in New York City.
How much does it cost to visit?
Admission to visit the monument is free.
What are the hours?
The site is open daily from 6:00 am to 1:00 am.
What is the history of the obelisk?
Originally erected in Heliopolis, Egypt, for Pharaoh Thutmose III around 1475 B.C., it was gifted to the United States by Khedive Ismail in 1877 and dedicated in Central Park on January 22, 1881.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
Greystone Knoll is home to Cleopatra's Needle, a pink granite obelisk that stands 69 feet tall and weighs approximately 224 tons. Originally erected in Heliopolis, Egypt, around 1475 B.C. for Pharaoh Thutmose III, this monument is now the oldest man-made object and the oldest outdoor monument in New York City. In 1877, the ruler of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, gifted the obelisk to the United States. Its journey from Alexandria to Manhattan was a massive undertaking, taking 112 days and involving the steamship Dessoug. The monument was finally dedicated on January 22, 1881, after a complex installation process in Central Park. Beyond its ancient history, the obelisk contains a fascinating time capsule. This hidden chamber contains items such as a city map, a dictionary, a copy of the King James Bible, and photographs of U.S. presidents. This blend of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and 19th-century American history makes the site a popular destination for visitors and a favorite backdrop for photographs.
Visitor tips
- The site is open daily from 6:00 am to 1:00 am, making it available for early morning or late night visits.
- Admission to the monument is free, allowing for a quick and easy stop on a walking tour.
- The approach to the obelisk is level and paved, which is ideal for those with limited mobility.
- Since it is located behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it is a great way to wrap up a museum visit.
Nearby context
Located on the west side of East Drive at 81st Street, Greystone Knoll is tucked away behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering a quiet contrast to the museum's crowds.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Cleopatra’s Needle
Cleopatra's Needle, also known as the Egyptian obelisk, is one of three ancient Egyptian obelisks that were originally erected in Heliopoli…
centralparknyc.org -
Cleopatra's Needle, New York City
The obelisk was gifted to the United States by the ruler of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, in 1877.
en.wikipedia.org