One of the most beloved and iconic features of Central Park is the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, a larger-than-life bronze masterpiece that has captivated generations of visitors. Located near Conservatory Water at 76th Street and 5th Avenue, this whimsical sculpture brings to life characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, offering a magical escape for both children and adults alike.
The towering figure of Alice, seated atop a giant mushroom, is surrounded by her fantastical friends: the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the Dormouse, and the White Rabbit. This enchanting scene immortalizes the story of a curious girl and her adventures in a world where the impossible becomes possible.
Alice in Wonderland Sculpture in Central Park
 |
| Alice in Wonderland Sculpture |
Key Details of the Alice in Wonderland Sculpture
- Location: 76th Street and 5th Avenue, near Conservatory Water, Central Park
- Sculptor: José de Creeft
- Architect: Hideo Sasaki
- Designer: Fernando Texidor
- Material: Bronze, with a Chelmsford granite base
- Dimensions: 9 feet 7 inches tall, with a 67-foot esplanade and seven bronze tablets inscribed with passages from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
History and Legacy of the Alice in Wonderland Sculpture
The Alice in Wonderland statue (Wikipedia) was a gift from philanthropist and publisher George Delacorte, who commissioned the work in 1959 as a tribute to his wife, Margarita Delacorte. Margarita, an avid reader and lover of literature, had a particular fondness for reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to their children. Her passion for the book, along with Delacorte’s desire to gift something meaningful to the children of New York City, led to the creation of this memorable piece.
The sculpture was designed by José de Creeft, a Spanish-American sculptor renowned for his talent in capturing human emotion and fantastical subjects. De Creeft modeled Alice’s face after his own daughter, Donna Maria, while the Mad Hatter was based on George Delacorte himself. The surrounding landscape, designed by Hideo Sasaki & Associates, is a modern architectural terrace that enhances the charm of the sculpture.
The Inspiration Behind Alice in Wonderland
The characters of Alice in Wonderland were originally created by Lewis Carroll, the pen name of English mathematician Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. Carroll’s books, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking Glass (1872), introduced readers to a world of eccentric characters, nonsensical riddles, and curious creatures. The books were illustrated by Sir John Tenniel, and it’s Tenniel’s illustrations that served as the inspiration for the figures depicted in the Central Park sculpture.
The Alice in Wonderland sculpture was cast in bronze by the Modern Art Foundry in Long Island City, Queens, and it stands at an impressive height of 9 feet, with a base diameter of 34 feet. At its unveiling ceremony in May 1959, 11 of Delacorte’s grandchildren climbed on the statue, symbolizing the playful interaction children continue to have with this beloved work of art.
A Place for Families and Fans of Wonderland
One of the most distinctive features of the Alice in Wonderland sculpture is its interactive design. Unlike other statues in the park, this one was specifically created for children to touch, climb, and explore. Visitors can climb up the mushroom to sit beside Alice, or take a closer look at the Cheshire Cat perched nearby.
The scene depicted in the sculpture is a joyful, lively interpretation of Alice’s tea party, capturing the essence of Carroll’s whimsical story. The Mad Hatter, with his wide-brimmed hat and mischievous grin, sits beside Alice, while the Dormouse peeks out from a teapot. The White Rabbit, always in a rush, stands poised with his watch, perhaps late for another important date.
Other Literary Sculptures Near Conservatory Water
Central Park is home to several other sculptures inspired by classic children’s literature. Just a short walk from Alice in Wonderland, visitors can find the Hans Christian Andersen statue, which features the famous Danish author reading his story of The Ugly Duckling. Another nearby treasure is the Mother Goose statue, sculpted by Frederick G. R. Roth, which celebrates the nursery rhymes that have entertained young readers for centuries.
These monuments, alongside the Alice in Wonderland statue, create a cluster of literary landmarks in Central Park, offering children and adults a place to engage with some of the most enduring characters in literature.
Inscriptions and Quotes from the Book
Seven bronze plaques surrounding the sculpture contain well-loved quotes from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, adding literary depth to the experience. These include memorable lines such as:
- “Twinkle, twinkle little bat! How I wonder what you’re at!”
- “Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, and the mome raths outgrabe.”
- “Beautiful soup, so rich and green, waiting in a hot tureen!”
Each of these inscriptions serves as a reminder of the surreal, dream-like nature of Carroll’s Wonderland.
A Gift for the Children of New York City
George Delacorte’s generosity is woven into the fabric of Central Park. In addition to the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, he also donated the Delacorte Clock, located near the Central Park Zoo, and the Delacorte Theater, which hosts Shakespeare in the Park, a free summer theater program that has become a beloved cultural tradition in the city.
The Alice in Wonderland sculpture is a true gift to the city’s children, offering a place of imagination, joy, and discovery for all who visit.
Visiting the Alice in Wonderland Sculpture
The Alice in Wonderland sculpture is located near 76th Street and 5th Avenue, on a terrace overlooking Conservatory Water. It’s a popular destination for families, and children are encouraged to climb and play on the figures. The terrace and surrounding landscape offer a serene spot for relaxation or a whimsical photoshoot. Visitors can also enjoy the nearby model boat pond, famously depicted in E.B. White’s Stuart Little.
Whether you’re visiting Central Park for the first time or returning for the hundredth, the Alice in Wonderland sculpture is a must-see for anyone who appreciates art, literature, and the enduring magic of childhood.
Conclusion
The Alice in Wonderland sculpture in Central Park is more than just a tribute to a classic book; it’s a celebration of childhood, creativity, and the power of literature. Whether you're a local or a visitor to New York City, a visit to this enchanting sculpture will transport you into the magical world of Wonderland, where every day is an adventure and curiosity always leads the way.
