Washington Square Arch

Washington Square Arch is a white marble triumphal arch in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. The structure reaches a height of roughly 77 feet (23 meters) and displays two large columns with relief carvings of George Washington in military and civilian dress.

Stanford White designed the arch in 1891 to mark the centennial of George Washington's inauguration. Construction continued until 1895 when the permanent version replaced an earlier wooden structure from 1889.

The arch stands at the northern edge of the park and serves as a gathering spot for students, street performers and local residents. On the south side a wide path runs through the opening and connects the campus with residential blocks beyond.

The best view comes from the southern part of the square where you can take in the proportions and both facades. Visitors can walk directly beneath the arch and observe the four corner seals set into the upper sections.

Four seals adorn the upper corners showing Washington's family coat of arms, the seal of the United States, the seal of New York State and the seal of New York City. The relief carvings of Washington on the north side were added in 1918 by sculptors MacNeil and Calder.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: January 1, 1892

Inscription: To commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington as first president of the United States

Made from material: tuckahoe marble

Operator: New York City Department of Parks and Recreation

Website: https://nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park/monuments/1657

GPS coordinates: 40.73123,-73.99710

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:57