Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / Landmarks

The Mall and Literary Walk

A majestic, elm-lined promenade in Central Park, known as the only straight line in the park's naturalistic design, featuring a collection of literary statues and the Women's Rights Pioneers Monument.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
The Mall and Literary Walk
www.centralparknyc.org, og_image_www.centralparknyc.org

What is The Mall and Literary Walk known for?

It is known as the only straight line in Central Park and is one of the park's most visited and photographed sections. It is a wide, straight path lined by American elm trees that create a cathedral-like architectural space.

Where is it located?

The Mall and Literary Walk is located in Central Park, Manhattan, running through the middle of the park from 66th to 72nd Streets and leading toward Bethesda Terrace.

What are the hours?

The Mall & Literary Walk is open 24 hours.

Who are the writers featured on the Literary Walk?

The Literary Walk features statues of renowned writers including William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Fitz-Greene Halleck.

Are there any other notable monuments there?

Yes, there is a statue of Christopher Columbus, often called the 'odd man out.' Additionally, the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument was installed in 2020, marking the first statue in Central Park to depict real-life women.

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 Mall and Literary Walk is a wide, straight path running from 66th to 72nd Streets in Manhattan's Central Park. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, it was envisioned as a formal promenade and gathering space, which they described as an 'open-air hall of reception.' This stretch is the sole formal feature in an otherwise naturalistic park design, making it one of the most visited and photographed sections of the park. The promenade is defined by two rows of American elm trees, whose curvy, overarching branches create an architectural, cathedral-like space. This intentional design choice by Olmsted and Vaux was meant to create a feeling of vaulting, similar to a cathedral's ceiling. The path leads visitors toward the beautiful Bethesda Terrace, serving as a historic social hub for the city. The southern section is known as Literary Walk, or Poets' Walk, because of the numerous statues of writers added in the 19th century. This area features monuments to renowned writers such as William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Fitz-Greene Halleck. A statue of Christopher Columbus, installed in 1892, is jokingly referred to as the 'odd man out' because he is not a writer. In 2020, the area became the site of the first new monument added to Central Park in over 50 years: the Women's Rights Pioneers Monument. This is the first statue in the park that depicts real-life women, marking a significant update to the Mall's historical legacy of literary and historical figures.

Visitor tips

  • The Mall is open 24 hours, making it early morning walks a great way to avoid crowds.
  • Walk from 66th Street toward Bethesda Terrace to follow the natural flow of the way.
  • Keep an eye out for street performers, dance skaters, and rollerbladers who often gather here.

Nearby context

Located in the middle of Central Park, the Mall and Literary Walk serves as a central artery connecting 66th Street to the grand Bethesda Terrace.

Sources

Evidence and links