Union Square

Union Square is a public park in Manhattan that extends from 14th Street to 17th Street, with open lawns, walkways, and seating areas. The square is lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings that create a lively urban environment.

The square became a public space in 1815 at the crossing of Broadway and Bowery Road, where two important routes met. During the 19th century, the area evolved from a residential neighborhood into a center for commerce and public gatherings.

The monuments in the park honor different people and periods, with sculptures of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Mahatma Gandhi. Each statue reflects a different artistic style and the era when it was created.

The Greenmarket opens four days each week and offers fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and flowers from regional farmers. The stalls spread across the western side of the square and draw visitors in the morning and midday hours.

A digital artwork embedded in the pavement displays time by releasing steam through small openings in the surface. The installation combines technology and public art in an unexpected way and often goes unnoticed by people passing through.

Location: Manhattan

Architects: Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi

Operator: New York City Department of Parks and Recreation

Shares border with: Chelsea, East Village

Address: Park Avenue South

Website: https://nycgovparks.org/parks/union-square-park

GPS coordinates: 40.73556,-73.99056

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:13