Arsenal, Historic military building in Central Park, United States.
The Arsenal is a brick building with Gothic Revival features, including half-octagonal towers, pointed arches, and crenellated parapets near Fifth Avenue and 64th Street. Today it houses offices for Central Park's administration, public facilities, and serves as the main visitor information center.
Built between 1847 and 1851 as a military storage facility for the New York State Militia, it predates the park itself. The building was later repurposed when the park was created, transforming from a fortification into an administrative and cultural hub.
The Arsenal Gallery displays fine art throughout the year, while murals from the 1930s in the lobby show scenes of the park and its surroundings.
The building is easily accessible from Fifth Avenue and offers public restrooms along with helpful information about the park. Visitors can explore the galleries and visitor services during regular hours.
The original Greensward Plan, which contains the complete design for Central Park, is stored within its walls. This historical document represents the park designers' vision in its earliest form.
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