The Answer...is Sesame Street

In the late 1970s, Belvedere Castle—an imposing structure when viewed from afar—was used in establishing shots for the castle of Count von Count, the numerically inclined nobleman with the Transylvanian accent.

At the time, the Castle looked spooky indeed. Built in 1872, Belvedere Castle was designed to offer terrific views of the Park: It stands atop a dramatic rock outcropping, and the name means “beautiful view” in Italian. But by the 1960s, it had fallen into disrepair and was all but abandoned… And then, in 1983, the newly formed Central Park Conservancy came to its aid.

Today, thanks to the Conservancy’s ongoing efforts, this former fixer-upper is a gorgeous visitor center and lookout locale, restored and maintained by the Conservancy. Check out these before and after pics!

Want to help the Conservancy with restoration projects like this? Become a member today! Every dollar you donate goes toward the maintenance and care of the Park.

Psst… Here’s one more fun fact! It’s no longer just the Count who calculates the “number of the day” at Belvedere Castle: Today, the Castle is where official temperature readings are taken for Central Park!