Cleopatra's Needle New York
Central Park 4
To the west of the Met Museum, directly up the hill as seen from the Petrie Court Café therein, rises the 70’ obelisk named ‘Cleopatra’s Needle’, the lonely twin of its sibling living in London (on a bank of the Thames) and the cousin of the more famous third, in Paris (at Place de la Concorde).
The twins were crafted around 3,500 years ago each from a single piece of more than 200 tons of Aswan red granite, similar in colour to the sarcophagi in Grant’s Tomb.
Following their repositioning cruise down the Nile thousands of years later, their second purpose was to honour Caesar Augustus,; others claim the rogue Marc Antony; more others, Julius Caesar. Who knew?
Then, about 140 years ago, with much hoo-ha, one was moved from Egypt to New York where it was re-erected in Central Park. Large crowds gathered. Commemorative objects were created. It was a big tsimmes.
Recently, in response to an official complaint made by an Egyptian official to then billionaire mayor Michael Bloomberg over its wasted condition, privately raised funds of $500, 000 were spent to clean the obelisk using laser beams. It is thought that work will have a lifespan of 500 years, moving forward. Sounds like a plan dreamed up by Dr Evil.
Its vertical balance is assured by four supporting 900 pound bronze crabs, replacements for the originals which live inside the museum beside the Temple of Dendur.
It all adds up to a lovely situation, slightly off any beaten path, worth visiting and contemplating.
About this spot
5th Avenue 1000
- 24 hours daily
US$
free
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Don Alejo Coffee
Coffee, toasts and burritos
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Icons' Homes
James, James & Dorothy
There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heckscher Field/Central Park
Broadway show league
"Heckscher Field" in Central Park, New York, is used for softball. Here you can see games played for the Broadway Show League. Celebrity stars may be seen.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Verdi Square
People Watching
This sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation. It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
74St Café
American overlooking Beacon Theater
Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Monumental Women
Central Park Monument Representing Real Women
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Der Krung
Best Thai spot in town
"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
by
Christian
Neely
Apthorp Cleaners
Barbies, Barbies, Barbies
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Taco Mix
Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dinastia
Cuban - Chinese
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Studio Museum in Harlem
Artists of color
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Stand Up NY
UWS Comedy Club
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
