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Columbus Monument

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  • Location: Columbus Circle
  • Sculptor: Gaetano Russo
  • Description: Standing figue (colossal scale) on rostral column on pedestal, base, and plinth; pedestal figure of a winged youth examining a globe; two bas-reliefs on base
  • Materials: Figures--Carrara marble; Column--granite; Rostra and bas-reliefs--bronze
  • Dimensions: Total: 76'; Figure H: 13'; Column H: 35'; Pedestal H: 28'
  • Cast: 1892
  • Dedicated: October 12, 1892
  • Foundry: Nelli, Rome
  • Donor: Italian Americans led by Carlo Barsotti, publisher, Il Progresso Italo Americano
  • Inscription: [top, English inscription] TO CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS / THE ITALIANS RESIDENT IN AMERICA, / SCOFFED AT BEFORE, / DURING THE VOYAGE, MENACED, / AFTER IT, CHAINED, / AS GENEROUS AS OPPRESSED, / TO THE WORLD HE GAVE A WORLD. /

    [bottom, English inscription] JOY AND GLORY / NEVER UTTERED A MORE THRILLING CALL / THAT THAT WHICH RESOUNDED / FROM THE CONQUERED OCEAN / IN SIGHT OF THE FIRST AMERICAN ISLAND /LAND! LAND! /
    ON THE XII OF OCTOBER MDCCCXCII / THE FOURTH CENTENARY / OF THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA / IN IMPERISHABLE REMEMBRANCE. /

    [top, Italian inscription] A CRISTOFORO COLOMBO / GL ITALIANI RESIDENTI IN AMERICA / IRRISO PRIMA / MINACCIATO DURANTE IL VIAGGIO / INCATENATO DOPO / SAPENDO ESSER GENEROSO QUANTO OPPRESSO / DONAVA UN MONDO AL MONDO

    [bottom, Italian inscription] LA GIOIA E LA GLORIA / NON EBBERO MAI PIU SOLENNE GRIDO / DI OUELLO CHE RISUONO IN VISTA / DELLA PRIMA ISOLA AMERICANA / TERRA! TERRA! /
    NEL 12 OTTOBRE 1892 / QUARTO CENTENARIO / DELLA SCOPERTA D'AMERICA / A IMPERITURA MEMORIA /

Please note, the NAME field includes a primary designation as well as alternate namingsoften in common or popular usage. The DEDICATED field refers to the most recent dedication, most often, butnot necessarily the original dedication date. If the monument did not have a formal dedication, the yearlisted reflects the date of installation.

For more information, please contact Art & Antiquities at (212) 360-8143

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Know Before You Go

There are currently 3 service interruptions affecting access within this park.

ParkCentral Park

Raccoons in Central Park have tested positive for canine distemper virus. Although the virus cannot be transmitted to humans, it may be transmitted to dogs. Keep your pets safe in the park.

Please avoid wildlife and make sure your pets have up-to-date distemper and rabies vaccines. Keep your pet on a leash, especially during dawn and dusk.

Please call 311 or notify an on-site Parks employee if you see a sick or injured animal.

If you are bitten, wash the wound with soap and water immediately. Call your doctor to see if you need tetanus or rabies shots, and call 311 to report the bite.

The Health Department will continue to monitor this condition.


Anticipated Completion: Summer 2018

Nature CentersBelvedere Castle Visitor Center

Beginning Monday, February 26, Belvedere Castle will be closed for restoration. The castle will reopen to the public in 2019. To reach our Urban Park Rangers at Central Park, please call (212) 360-1444.

ParkCentral Park

Beginning Monday, February 26, Belvedere Castle will be closed for restoration. The surrounding plaza and terrace remain open, but will also close in the coming weeks. The Belvedere will reopen to the public in 2019. For more information on the restoration of Belvedere Castle, please visit Central Park Conservancy's website.

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