Washington Irving Memorial, Bronze statue in Bryant Park, New York, United States
The Washington Irving Memorial is a bronze portrait bust of the author mounted on a stone base located in Bryant Park. This sculpture stands near the New York Public Library's main entrance and faces toward the park's interior space.
The memorial was dedicated in 1927 to honor one of the earliest American writers to achieve recognition beyond the nation's borders. Its creation by the respected sculptor MacMonnies marked a formal acknowledgment of Irving's literary importance during that era.
The memorial honors Irving's role in shaping American literature and his legacy as a writer who gained worldwide recognition during his lifetime. Visitors can see how this literary figure remains connected to the city's cultural identity.
The memorial stands at the eastern end of Bryant Park where it is easily visible and close to multiple subway lines for convenient access. You can view it anytime during park hours without any need for advance planning or reservations.
The memorial incorporates materials from Irving's former home Sunnyside into its base, creating a direct physical connection to the author's own life. This use of elements from his estate gives the sculpture a more personal and tangible quality than a typical tribute.
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