Stroll Down the Mall & Literary Walk in Central Park
There’s plenty to see and do on the Mall & Literary Walk, one of the most famous landscapes in Central Park. Get your steps in on its wide promenade, admire the stately American elms, or take a seat on one of its benches and enjoy live music from the Bandshell.
What Sets the Mall Apart
Just like the other 58 miles of paths in the Park, the Central Park Mall is a great place to walk. However, this 1,500-foot promenade is unique in design. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux included three types of paths in the Park’s original design to separate pedestrians, carriages, and horses. While this system was helpful for distinguishing types of traffic and allowing New Yorkers to enjoy the Park peacefully, it wasn’t the best for gathering large groups because most paths were thinner. The Mall is the only straight path in the Park, and it’s much wider than the other pathways and trails that meander through these 843 acres.
The entire Park was designed as a democratic space open to everyone, in contrast to the many private parks that existed at the time. However, the Mall particularly exemplifies this. Inspired by European public spaces, it was specifically created for people to come together.
Another notable feature of the Mall is its collection of American elm trees. This species was once a common shade tree in the United States because of its elegant branch structure. However, due to the rapid spread of Dutch elm disease, American elms have become increasingly rare. In fact, the Mall has the largest and last remaining collection of American elm trees in the world. The Central Park Conservancy Tree Care team expertly maintain these historic trees throughout the year.
The American elms along the Mall & Literary Walk
Literary Walk and Naumburg Bandshell
Literary Walk is located at the south end of the Mall. Its name comes from its many monuments of famous writers, such as William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott. In 2020, the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument was also added. Featuring Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the monument is the first in the Park to feature nonfictional women.
Once you’re done admiring the monuments, keep walking north along the promenade. All the way at the north end of the Mall is the Concert Ground. You’ll see the Naumburg Bandshell, where Naumburg Orchestral Concerts hosts free classical music performances. You can find a list of upcoming concerts on their website. Rumsey Playfield, the venue for SummerStage, is also just a short walk away.
The Naumburg Bandshell and Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument, both located along the Mall
Where is the Mall in Central Park?
The Mall & Literary Walk is located mid-Park at East 66th Street.