Classic landmarks are valuable far beyond the everyday business of giving hurried visitors something to take photos of. Each landmark has gained its status because it demonstrates an important part of the culture that surrounds it. In a small town, inhabitants may give directions that include “turning by the CVS” and perhaps, “take a left before the bronze sculpture of the general on a horse.” As a population grows and changes, landmarks take on an even greater importance. They serve as the embodiment and guardians of a people’s heart, strength, and ingenuity.
If you get the chance to visit America’s New York City, take the time to visit a few of her proudest landmarks. It is more important to understand what makes a landmark relevant to its surroundings than to just take a slew of photos. You can always find photos online. A picture may be “worth a thousand words”, but sometimes words and photos simply can’t do justice to the experience of seeing something for yourself. With a few landmarks you may have heard of as well as some you may be learning about for the first time: Understanding New York City Through Its Landmarks:
The Statue Of Liberty
The Statue Of Liberty: No list of New York City landmarks, or American ones for that matter, would be complete without “Lady Liberty.” 151feet tall and clad in copper this robed woman clutching a tablet and holding a torch aloft is a symbol of Democracy and freedom recognized the world over. She was given to The United States as a gift from the French people in 1886 in celebration of the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence and the friendship brought by France’s help during the American Revolution. Set on Liberty Island, the statue was the first sign of a new life for many of New York City’s immigrants who arrived by ship. If you grab a native New Yorker and ask them to tell you about the statue, many will tell you a story about a relative seeing her lighted torch come into view after a long trans-Atlantic voyage. An engineering feat in her day and a figure of hope and progressive thought, The Statue Of Liberty will not disappoint you.
Central Park
Central Park: A 843 acre landscaped oasis in the middle of New York City, Central Park began as a day-tripping destination for wealthy New Yorker’s who wanted a public park comparable to those in England and France. Styled with English pastures in mind, Central Park is a triumph of landscaping prowess in that much of the park appears to be peacefully unplanned. More than 20 outdoor sculptures “live” in Central Park. From the massive structure of Cleopatra’s Needle to Anderson’s diminutive Duckling, you’ll find a creative sculpture that suits your fancy. Spend a summer afternoon at the Central Park Zoo, riding a bike along its many paths, hiring a carriage for a ride, or just laying on the grass. You’ll discover that New Yorkers, for all their hard work and busy lifestyles, know how to relax and enjoy nature as well. 1. Disney’s Manhattan, 2. Central Park HDR, 3. imagine, 4. Central Park (New York), 5. garden in central park
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal: Built by shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt as a depot to serve multiple rail lines in one location, “Grand Central” is the most famous and impressive railway station. The terminal’s 12,000 square foot main waiting room, Vanderbilt Hall, also serves non-transportation oriented entertainment functions and exhibits. Nearly 100 years after its construction, the revitalized Grand Central Terminal stands as a fine exhibit of New Yorker’s passion for industry and willingness to maintain the symbols of eras that combined to make “The Big Apple” what it is today.1. grand central station, 2. grandcentral, 3. Fleet Footed Hermes, 4. Grand Central Clock, 5. Untitled
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall: Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of what was initially called “Music Hall.” The Isaac Stern Auditorium holds the main of three stages in the building and is named for the musician who spearheaded the salvation and restoration of Carnegie Hall from near-destruction to its current glory. Celebrated as one of the World’s premier performance venues, Carnegie Hall has hosted World-Premier of musical pieces by greats such as Stravinsky, Gershwin, and Dvorak. The old joke goes “a visitor stops a New Yorker in the street near Carnegie Hall and asks him, ‘how do I get to Carnegie Hall?’ to which the New Yorker replies, ‘practice, practice, practice!” An anecdotal reminder of the wry humor, quick wit, and passion for hard work that you will surely discover if you take the time and get to know some genuine New Yorker’s during your stay in the city.1. Carnegie Hall, 2. New York, 3. The Sound of Music, 4. Carnegie Hall, 5. Carnegie hall
The Guggenheim
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: “The Guggenheim” began with a passionate art collector showing artwork in his home. It found a resting place in the final work of world-renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. What began as a collection of early modern masterpieces has grown into an impressive collection of 20th century art. The main cylinder of the museum has the look of a giant white collapsible cup and, as a whole, it embodies the love for creation, art, and innovative solutions so loved by many New Yorker’s.1. NYC SUMMER 2007 #34, 2. Louise Bourgeois at the Guggenheim, 3. guggenheim museum, 4. Guggenheim, 5. Piet Mondrian: Tableau 2 (Solomon R. Guggenheim - New York)
The Charging Bull
The Charging Bull: One of New York City’s most-photographed sculptures, the 7 ton bronze bull was initially placed in front of the New York Stock Exchange. It currently maintains its fierce symbolism of aggressive financial growth on a patch of cobblestones in Bowling Green Park. Most New Yorker’s have a picture, whether it be lost or terribly hard to find, of them and the Charging Bull. It is a landmark in New York’s Financial District that is a must-see for any visitor who enjoys having “Oh, I’ve been there!” moments while watching financial reports on TV.1. The Charging Bull, 2. The Wall Street Bull, 3. Broadway x Wall Street, 4. bull, 5. Bull’s Eye
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange: Upon its completion the NYSE building was one of the grandest and progressive business spaces in its day. With a floor 109×140 feet in size and walls 72 feet high, the main trading floor of the building is a sight that exemplifies the financial magnitude of the transactions taking place within the building. Massive Corinthian columns cast shadows across the 96×50 foot glass “window” that makes up the front of the structure.?After protesters threw fake money onto traders from the observation balcony, the space was enclosed in plexiglass. The numbers simply cannot explain the impression of a building that remarks to the strength and desire for light that so many New Yorker’s hold close. 1. New York Stock Exchange, 2. New York Stock Exchange, 3. Stock Exchange, 4. New York Stock Exchange - Faberge Vase - New York, 5. New York Stock Exchange - New York
African Burial Ground National Monument
African Burial Ground National Monument: The State of New York abolished slavery in 1827, more than 200 years after the Dutch first introduced slavery to settlements in the area. It is estimated that this 6.6 acre plot of land holds the remains of more than 15,000 free and enslaved Africans buried over a 100 year period. This sordid portion of American history was lost from memory until the construction of a federal building began on the same ground. The previously-forgotten remains are memorialized with a 25ft tall granite monument entitled “The Door of Return.” Dedicated in October of 2007, the African Burial Ground is a must-visit for any traveler looking to discover not just the positive triumphs of New York City, but also the bits of history that drive New Yorker’s to work for a tomorrow that remembers the sins of the past and refuses to repeat them. 1. Sankofa, 2. African Burial Ground Monument, 3. African Burial Ground Monument, 4. Baron, 5. African Burial Ground Monument
Large Mosaic photo credits
1. Manhattan Sunset Dream #3, 2. Not available, 3. Central Park HDR, 4. grand central station, 5. Carnegie Hall, 6. Louise Bourgeois at the Guggenheim, 7. The Wall Street Bull, 8. imagine, 9. Fleet Footed Hermes, 10. Carnegie Hall, 11. guggenheim museum, 12. Broadway x Wall Street, 13. New York Stock Exchange14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available
Great article and nice pictures.