Bryant Park Fountain is an iconic landmark in Manhattan, New York. The fountain is situated in Bryant Park, a public space that is popular among New Yorkers and visitors alike. In the winter, it gets so cold that the fountain freezes partially or even fully, making the frozen Bryant Park Fountain a popular gauge of just how cold it is in New York City.
The fountain is officially known as the Josephine Shaw Lowell Fountain, and what makes it my favorite any time of year is the fact that it is the first major monument in NYC to honor a woman .
Bryant Park
Bryant Park, located in the heart of Manhattan between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and between 40th and 42nd Streets, is an urban oasis that offers a vibrant mix of green spaces, cultural attractions, and recreational activities all year round in the middle of Manhattan. Spanning over 9 acres, the park is well known for its meticulously maintained gardens and the cultural events that it hosts, including outdoor film screenings, live performances, and art installations in the summer. In the winter, the park turns into a giant ice rink with skating and bumper cars, and a holiday market with delectable food offerings from casual eateries to gourmet food kiosks, making it a culinary destination in its own right.
Frozen Bryant Park Fountain
The Bryant Park Fountain is called the Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain. It was designed by architect Charles A. Platt and dedicated in 1912 as a tribute to Josephine Shaw Lowell, a social worker and progressive reform leader who was active in the late 19th century. It holds special significance as the first monument in New York City dedicated to a woman.
The Bryant Park Fountain is a focal point of the park, and the fountain’s transformation into a frozen spectacle draws attention and awe from all who encounter it in the winter.
When temperatures drop below freezing, the flowing water of the fountain solidifies, creating varying degrees of ice depending on the weather. The frozen fountain transforms a familiar landmark into a breathtaking work of art and a practical indicator of the frigid temperatures, offering a visual representation of the winter chill that envelops the city.
Visiting the frozen fountain has become somewhat of a cherished tradition with New Yorkers who brave the freezing temperatures to experience it up close. Here are some pictures I have taken of it over the years.
Closing Thoughts
The Josephine Shaw Lowell Fountain, otherwise known as the Bryant Park Fountain, is a very significant landmark in New York City as it was the first major NYC landmark to honor a woman. It is the focal point of all the activities in Bryant Park, both in the summer and the winter, and is especially fun to visit when it freezes over in the winter. It is easily accessible by public transportation, and is a must visit on any trip to Bryant Park.
