Vanderbilt Gate

The Vanderbilt Gate stands at the Fifth Avenue entrance to the Conservatory Garden near 105th Street. The giant wrought-iron gate serves as the garden’s main entrance, opening into the center Italianate garden.

The gate was designed for the mansion of Cornelius Vanderbilt II by the American architect George B. Post, student of Richard Morris Hunt. Built in 1883, the mansion was located near the southeast corner of Central Park. When it was demolished in 1926 the gate was donated to the City. The Vanderbilt Gate was installed at the Conservatory Garden in 1939, two years after it opened.

There are two other significant ornamental gates in Central Park, both by the American artist Paul Manship: the Osborn Gates at the entrance to Ancient Playground at East 85th Street, and the Lehman Gates outside of the Children’s Zoo.

Things you can do here

  • Tours

    Conservatory Garden Tour

    Take a behind-the-scenes tour with Conservatory Garden staff as we explore this urban gem.

    Tags: Seasonal / Staff Picks / Nature Lovers / Park Experts / First-Time Visitors

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