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New York City, New York / Landmarks

The Obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle)

An ancient Egyptian monolith, the Obelisk (also known as Cleopatra's Needle), is the oldest man-made object in Central Park and the oldest outdoor monument in New York City.

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The Obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle)
www.centralparknyc.org, og_image_www.centralparknyc.org

What is The Obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle) known for?

It is the oldest outdoor monument in New York City and the oldest man-made object in Central Park.

Where is the obelisk located in Central Park?

The monument is located on East Drive at 81st Street, standing between the Great Lawn and the Metropolitan Museum of Art area, directly behind the museum.

What is the history of Cleopatra's Needle?

Created roughly 3,500 years ago in Egypt, it was originally one of a pair commissioned by Pharaoh Thutmose III for the Temple of the Sun in Heliopolis in 1475 BCE. It was gifted by the Egyptian government to the United States and dedicated in Central Park on January 22, 1881.

What is the monument made of?

The obelisk is a 220-ton granite monolith carved from a single piece of stone at the quarries of Aswan.

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 Obelisk, also known as Cleopatra's Needle, is a massive 220-ton granite monolith carved in the quarries of Aswan, Egypt. It was originally commissioned by Pharaoh Thutmose III for the Temple of the Sun in Heliopolis in 1475 BCE, making it roughly 3,500 years old. This ancient piece of stone is now the oldest man-made object in Central Park and the oldest outdoor monument in New York City. After being one of a pair of obelisks, the Egyptian government, specifically Ismail Pasha, formally gifted the monument to the people of the United States in the 1870s. The gift was formally gifted on May 18, 1879, and a ship carrying the monolith arrived in New York on July 20, 1880. The engineering project to move this massive stone into the park was a major event of the time. Following its arrival, the obelisk was placed in its present position on January 22, 1881. It is now located on East Drive at 81st Street, standing between the Great Lawn and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This third location for the monolith represents a journey from ancient Egypt to the heart of Manhattan.

Visitor tips

  • Allow a few minutes to walk from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the obelisk's location on East Drive.
  • Combine this stop with a visit to the Great Lawn for a relaxing break.
  • Look for the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics carved into the granite granite monolith.

Nearby context

The Obelisk stands on East Drive at 81st Street, positioned between the Great Lawn and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, making it an unexpected ancient Egyptian landmark in the heart of Central Park.

Sources

Evidence and links