Burnett Memorial Fountain

Burnett Memorial Fountain stands in the Conservatory Garden of Central Park and features two bronze figures positioned near a water lily pool. The artwork shows a boy playing a flute and a girl holding a birdbath, both crafted in bronze by sculptor Bessie Potter Vonnoh.

Sculptor Bessie Potter Vonnoh created the work in 1936, and Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia officially dedicated it in 1937. The sculpture spent several years in storage before being installed in its current location.

The fountain honors author Frances Hodgson Burnett through bronze figures of Mary and Dickon from her novel. These characters from The Secret Garden are familiar to many readers and visitors recognize them immediately.

The fountain is located at Fifth Avenue and 104th Street, accessible through the Conservatory Garden's main entrance gates. The English-style garden section is easy to walk through and offers clear pathways to find this artwork.

After its completion, the sculpture spent time in various locations before finally being placed in the English section of the garden. This delayed journey means the fountain remains less known compared to other Central Park attractions.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: January 1, 1936

Creator: Bessie Potter Vonnoh

Subject:

Made from material: bronze

Website: https://nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/monuments/196

GPS coordinates: 40.79316,-73.95276

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47