Washington Square Park is the living room of New York University and the heart of Greenwich Village, but it belongs to everyone. The fountain in the center draws musicians, skateboarders, artists, and students like a magnet, and the massive marble arch at the northern entrance frames a view down Fifth Avenue that rivals anything in the city.
History
The land that became Washington Square Park was originally a marsh fed by Minetta Creek, then became a potter’s field — over 20,000 bodies were buried here during the yellow fever epidemics of the early 1800s. The city converted it to a military parade ground in 1826 and then into a public park in 1827. The Washington Square Arch, designed by Stanford White, was built in 1892 to commemorate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration, with a second arch added in 1918 to complete the symmetrical design. By the early 20th century, the surrounding row houses became home to the city’s most prominent artists and writers. The park was the epicenter of the beatnik and folk music movements in the 1950s and 60s, and it hosted the famous “love-ins” and protests of the 1960s counterculture.
Features and Highlights
- The Washington Square Arch — 77 feet tall, modeled after the Arc de Triomphe, with statues of Washington as General and President
- The central fountain — the park’s gathering point, surrounded by benches and shade trees
- The chess and checker tables near the southwest corner, where games happen year-round
- The dog run — one of the best in Manhattan, always full of local pups and their owners
- The Garibaldi statue at the southeast corner, honoring the Italian revolutionary who lived nearby
- The residential row houses on Washington Square North — 1830s Greek Revival homes among the most expensive in the city
- Minetta Creek’s ghost — the buried stream still runs beneath the park, occasionally causing drainage issues
Visitor Tips
The park is best in the late afternoon when the musicians and performers are out in force. Saturday draws the biggest crowds for impromptu performances. The arch makes for incredible photos, especially at golden hour. The fountain is a popular meeting spot. There are public restrooms in the park’s southwest corner. The surrounding streets of Greenwich Village are full of excellent cafes and restaurants for before or after your visit. The A/B/C/D/E/F/M trains stop at West 4th Street, right next to the park.
Cultural Impact
Washington Square Park is one of the most filmed and photographed public spaces in New York. It’s been the setting for When Harry Met Sally, I Am Legend, Barefoot in the Park, and countless TV shows. It was the center of the folk music revival — Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Simon & Garfunkel all played here. The park has been a stage for activism, from the 1960s protests to Black Lives Matter rallies. For travelers who’ve explored Central Park in New York, Washington Square offers the counterpoint — smaller, scrappier, and more bohemian. It anchors the southern end of Fifth Avenue and connects to the creative energy of Harlem in New York through the city’s cultural timeline. And for anyone who has visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the park provides a living gallery of New York street culture that’s every bit as compelling as what’s inside the museum.
Location and Contact
- Address: Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012
- Coordinates: 40.7308° N, 73.9973° W
- Park Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily
- Official Site: Visit Washington Square Park
- Wikipedia: Washington Square Park on Wikipedia
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