Situated in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, Gramercy Park is a historic district that sits on a former site of a swamp. The namesake of the neighborhood is a small private park that opened in the early 19th century. Considered a public park, Stuyvesant Square is another major landmark in Gramercy Park. This upscale district has a rich heritage of having private management and exclusive social clubs that cater to NYC’s elite class.
Attractions and Landmarks
Located in the heart of Gramercy Park, Stuyvesant Square is a tranquil park that offers a retreat from the chaos of Manhattan. This green space actually consists of two different lots that are separated by 2nd Avenue. Click to book your Gramercy walking tour with Access to Players Club Mansion.
Each section of the park has beautiful oval gardens with ponds and other natural landscapes that add aesthetic appeal to the neighborhood. As you stroll the grounds, you’ll discover a monument to the namesake of the square. Standing on a pink granite pedestal, a bronze statue depicts Peter Stuyvesant, who governed the Dutch colony in Manhattan in the 17th century. Cast by the Roman Foundry Works of NY, the statue was dedicated in 1941 on the western flank of the square.
In 1997, a statue of the famous Czech composer Antonin Dvorak was unveiled at the park. This sculpture was originally designed and made by Ivan Mestrovic during the 1960s. However, the artwork wasn’t publicly displayed until the Czech architect Jan Hird Pokorny restored it decades later. The statue of Dvorak is nested in trees at the northeastern corner of Stuyvesant Square.
During the summer, the lush grounds of this famous park host migrating Monarch Butterflies. Locals and tourists alike enjoy looking at these gentle insects that come from various parts of Mexico.
Situated in the northwest part of the neighborhood, Gramercy Park is another popular green space that has cultural and historical significance. The focal point of this public park is a statue of Edwin Booth, one of the most prominent American actors in the 19th century. Interestingly, he was the sibling of the notorious John Wilkes Booth, who took the life of President Abraham Lincoln. Edwin Booth was the main founder of the Players Club, which still operates in the district as a private social entity.
Visitors should note that Gramercy Park is fully fenced and not managed by the NYC Parks and Recreation Department. Since opening in the 1830s, the scenic park has been controlled by several privileged individuals.
Located at the corner of Lexington Avenue and East 23rd Street, the Gramercy Theatre is the premier entertainment hub in Gramercy Theatre. Originally opened in 1937, this venue has enough seats for approximately 500 spectators. The Gramercy Theatre hosts concerts, performing arts, forums, and other cultural events that require tickets for entry.
Location and Transit
Gramercy Park is bound by the intersections of East 23rd Street with 1st Avenue and Park Avenue. East 14th Street and Irving Place also define the boundaries of this historic neighborhood.
Served by the L train of the New York City Subway, the 3rd Avenue and 1st Avenue stations offer convenient access to the southern part of the district. The 4 and 6 lines stop at the 23rd Street station in the north-western corner of the neighborhood.
Various Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses can also take you directly into Gramercy Park and the surrounding area. Public parking is very limited in this primarily residential area that lacks any major indoor garages or other commercial-style facilities for vehicles.