Press Release
New York, NY — As New York City residents and visitors seek to take advantage of outdoor space during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Park Conservancy unveiled today a new multimedia digital guide to Central Park made possible through the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies. The free digital guide, available on Bloomberg Connects, an app featuring content on a growing group of important cultural organizations around the world, offers a new way to explore the Park’s 843 acres. With photos, audio, and video offering insight into the natural life, history, and statues, the new digital guide also features an audio guide of the beloved Belvedere Castle, available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
The Bloomberg Connects app hosts a robust selection of Park content including a map to help locate featured exhibitions, statues, landscapes, restorations, and thriving biodiversity. Users can also engage in fun activities with family and friends, access unique multimedia guides from Central Park Conservancy experts, and learn about the important legacy of Seneca Village, the predominantly African-American community displaced when the Park was created.
The Belvedere Castle self-guided audio experience features nine stops exploring the Castle’s history and uncovering interesting details about the site’s architecture, while providing sweeping views of the Castle and its surrounding landscapes along the way. The guide includes insights from Conservancy President & CEO Elizabeth W. Smith, Conservancy architect Denise Keaveney, and New York Municipal Archives Conservator Cynthia Brenwall.
“The Conservancy is proud to be included in the Bloomberg Connects app, which provides digital access to the Park,” said Smith. “That access has taken on new importance during the pandemic with the Park being a source of respite for so many. Through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support, a greater number of people now have digital access to the restorative power of the Park.” The Belvedere Castle audio guide was produced in collaboration with Acoustiguide. Download the app via Apple Store or Google Play.
About the Central Park Conservancy
The Central Park Conservancy is a private, not-for-profit organization that manages Central Park and is responsible for raising the Park's annual operating budget. The Conservancy’s staff of more than 300 is responsible for all aspects of the Park’s stewardship, from day-to-day maintenance and operations to continued restoration and rebuilding projects. Additionally, the Conservancy operates the Park’s visitor centers, provides public programs, and serves as a resource for other NYC parks and for public-private partnerships around the world. For more information, please visit centralparknyc.org.
More About Bloomberg Connects
Bloomberg Philanthropies launched the Bloomberg Connects app in October 2019. A free digital guide to cultural organizations around the world, Bloomberg Connects makes it easy to access and engage with arts and culture from mobile devices, anytime, anywhere. The app offers the ability to learn about current exhibitions at a portfolio of participating cultural partners through dynamic content exclusive to each organization. Features include expert commentary, video highlights, pinch-and-zoom capability, and exhibition and way-finding maps.
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in more than 570 cities and over 160 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2019, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok.