Gapstow Bridge, Central Park, NY - Stone Bridges on Waymarking.com

Gapstow Bridge is great example of traditional architecture in Central Park. Facing south, it offers the quintessential view of the city, with the Plaza Hotel and other towers rising behind the backdrop of trees. The northerly view from the bridge overlooks the Wollman ice skating rink.

Originally, Gapstow was a wooden bridge supported by the unique feature of a large segmental arch of wood on the north and south sides, both arches springing from ledges on the stone abutments. The Gapstow was a unique design using wood and cast-iron trimming, however it only stood for about twenty years before needing to be replaced. Conjecture has it that wear and tear were simply too much for the wooden structure.

The current stone replacement, designed by Howard & Caudwell in 1896, is built of unadorned Manhattan schist. It spans 44 feet of water at its base with a 12-foot high arch, and it has imposing 76-foot long sidewalls extending the full length of the bridge.

Gapstow Bridge is an iconic Central park filming location and has appeared in "Devil Wears Prada," "The Smurfs," "Home Alone 2" and the Doctor Who episode The Angels Take Manhattan.

Physical Location (city, county, etc.): New York, NY Road, Highway, Street, etc.: Walking path in Central Parl Water or other terrain spanned: Water Architect/Builder: Howard & Caudwell Construction Date: 1896

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Date Logged Log User Rating   06/21/2023 Tommy_Laura visited it 01/14/2023 Ariberna visited it

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