Central Park

This heroic-sized bronze bust by Gustaf Blaeser (1813–1874) depicts German scientist, explorer, and naturalist Frederick Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859). Humboldt made an expedition into Central and South America in 1799, exploring the Orinoco and Amazon Rivers and portions of the Andes to learn more about meteorology and plant life. His later expedition to Siberia in 1829 furthered his study of ocean currents and magnetism.

Humboldt not only explored the Americas, but also researched extensively in his home country. He and French chemist Joseph Gay-Lussac studied the behavior of gases, laying the groundwork for many 19th century theories of the structure of matter. These studies, coupled with the knowledge gained on his research voyages, allowed Humboldt to pen the influential, five-volume work, The Cosmos (1845). Presenting an integrative view of the universe, this work combined the top theories of the time with Humboldt’s broad range of research.

The monument, donated by the Humboldt Memorial Association, was dedicated at its original location at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue on September 14, 1869. Gustav Blaeser knew Humboldt and used his death mask as a reference as he sculpted the bust. In 1981 it was moved to its current location at Explorer’s Gate on Central Park West and 77th Street, across from the Museum of Natural History. In 1993 the Central Park Conservancy conserved the Humboldt Monument.