Oasis in Midtown Manhattan

Greenacre Park is a privately owned, publicly accessible vest-pocket park located on East 51st Street between Second and Third Avenues in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by Hideo Sasaki, former chairman of Harvard's Department of Landscape Architecture, in consultation with architect Harmon Goldstone. The park, which is owned by Greenacre Foundation, was a 1971 gift from Abby Rockefeller Mauzé, the philanthropist, the daughter of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and the granddaughter of John D. Rockefeller.

The park is a small oasis in the middle of Midtown Manhattan. It is only 60 feet wide by 120 feet deep, but it is packed with features that make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. There is a waterfall, a trellis with heat lamps for chilly days, chairs and tables, as well as honey locust trees, azaleas, and pansies. The park is open from 7am to 11pm daily.

Greenacre Park has a rich history. It was originally the site of a mansion owned by William Waldorf Astor. The mansion was demolished in 1929, and the land was left vacant for several years. In 1969, Abby Rockefeller Mauzé purchased the land and donated it to the Greenacre Foundation. The foundation commissioned Hideo Sasaki to design the park, and it opened to the public in 1971.

Greenacre Park has been praised for its design and its contribution to the community. It has won numerous awards, including the American Society of Landscape Architects' Honor Award and the New York City Parks Council's Frederick Law Olmsted Award. The park is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Greenacre Park is a beloved New York City landmark. It is a place where people can come to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Atlas At Rockefeller Center

 The Atlas statue at Rockefeller Center is a 45-foot-tall (14 m) bronze sculpture by Lee Lawrie. It depicts the Greek Titan Atlas holding the celestial sphere on his shoulders. The statue was commissioned by John D. Rockefeller Jr. for the Rockefeller Center complex, and was installed in 1937.

Atlas is a figure from Greek mythology who was the leader of the Titans, a race of giants who rebelled against the gods of Mount Olympus. After the Titans were defeated in battle, Zeus condemned Atlas to carry the weight of the heavens on his shoulders for all eternity.

The Atlas statue at Rockefeller Center is a powerful symbol of strength, endurance, and responsibility. It is a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting the world around us. The statue is also a popular tourist destination, and is often photographed by visitors to Rockefeller Center.

In popular culture, the Atlas statue has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and books. It is also a popular symbol for the Objectivist movement, a philosophy that emphasizes individual liberty and responsibility.

The Atlas statue is a significant work of art that has stood for over 80 years as a symbol of strength, endurance, and responsibility. It is a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting the world around us.

Prometheus At Rockefeller Center

 

I was walking by Rock Center recently and in place of the ice rink was a roller rink  The new layout allowed for a completely different angle for a photograph of Prometheus  

PROMETHEUS 

The Prometheus sculpture at Rockefeller Center is a 1934 gilded, cast bronze sculpture by Paul Manship. It is located above the lower plaza at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, New York City. The statue is 18 ft (5.5 m) tall and weighs 8 tons. It depicts the Greek legend of the Titan Prometheus, who was the son of the Titan Iapetus and the Oceanid Clymene, brought fire to mankind by stealing it from the Chariot of the Sun, which resulted in Zeus chaining Prometheus and sending an eagle to prey upon his continually regenerating liver.

The statue was commissioned by John D. Rockefeller Jr., who was the driving force behind the construction of Rockefeller Center. Manship was a well-known sculptor at the time, and his work was often praised for its classical beauty and realism. The Prometheus sculpture was one of the first pieces of art to be commissioned for Rockefeller Center, and it quickly became one of the most iconic symbols of the complex.

The statue was unveiled in 1934, just as the Great Depression was beginning. In the midst of economic hardship, the Prometheus sculpture came to represent hope and resilience. The statue's message of human ingenuity and progress was a source of inspiration for many New Yorkers during a difficult time.

The Prometheus sculpture has been a popular tourist destination ever since it was unveiled. It is a popular spot for photos, and it is often used as a backdrop for special events. The statue is also a reminder of the importance of art and culture in our lives. It is a symbol of the human spirit, and it stands as a testament to the power of creativity.

In addition to the Prometheus sculpture, Rockefeller Center is home to a number of other works of art. These include the Atlas Fountain, the Channel Gardens Fountain, and the Paul Manship Fountain. The complex also features a number of murals and sculptures by other artists. These works of art add to the beauty and cultural significance of Rockefeller Center.

EASTER PARADE NYC 2023

 The weather was beautiful and I decided to have a brief visit to the Easter Parade. It was very crowded and getting good photos was very difficult. 

The Easter Parade in New York City is a yearly event that takes place on Easter Sunday. It is a tradition that dates back to the 1870s, when wealthy Christians would travel from church to church visiting different sanctuaries. By the 1880s, the floral outfits became such a spectacle that New Yorkers would gather to watch as they walked up Fifth Avenue. In 1890, the event became officially known as the Easter Parade. By the turn of the 20th century, the Easter Parade was as large on the retail scene as Christmas.

In 1933, famed songwriter Irving Berlin wrote music for a Broadway show called “As Thousands Cheer” which included the song “Easter Parade,” which was turned into a film starring Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. The song helped to popularize the parade and make it a must-see event for New Yorkers and tourists alike.

Today, the Easter Parade is still a popular event, with people from all over the world coming to see the elaborate costumes and hats. The parade begins at 10am on Easter Sunday and marches north on Fifth Avenue from 49th Street up to 57th Street. For the best views, head to St. Patrick's Cathedral (Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets).

The Easter Parade is a fun and festive event that celebrates the Easter holiday. It is a great opportunity to see some of the most creative and elaborate costumes and hats that you will ever see. If you are looking for a unique and memorable Easter experience, then the Easter Parade is definitely worth checking out.

Here are some tips for attending the Easter Parade:

* Arrive early to get a good spot. The parade can get crowded, so it is best to arrive early to get a good spot along the route.

* Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes.

* Bring a camera. You will want to capture all of the amazing sights and costumes.

* Be prepared for crowds. The parade can get very crowded, so be prepared for a lot of people.

* Have fun! The Easter Parade is a fun and festive event, so relax and enjoy the experience.