Bethesda Fountain in Central Park will be closed and drained for about a year beginning in early August as crews undertake a $37 million restoration. Bethesda Terrace will remain open while workers replace pumps, repair cascading water systems and restore sculptural details. The project is part of a larger preservation plan that also rebuilds Conservatory Water and renovates the Kerbs Boathouse, with completion targeted by spring 2028.
Iconic Bethesda Fountain to Close for About a Year as $37M Restoration Gets Underway
Photograph: Shutterstock
Starting in early August, Bethesda Fountain — the 153-year-old centerpiece of Central Park — will be turned off and fenced off for roughly one year while crews carry out a comprehensive $37 million restoration. Bethesda Terrace will remain open throughout construction, allowing visitors to stroll the arcade and continue enjoying views of the Lake.
Scope of the Work
The restoration is part of a broader preservation initiative led by the Central Park Conservancy in partnership with the city. The multi-year effort will modernize aging infrastructure beneath two of the park’s most historic features: Bethesda Fountain and nearby Conservatory Water.
- Bethesda Fountain: Crews will replace pumps and other mechanical systems, repair the fountain’s cascading water features, and recreate sculptural details worn away by weathering and time.
- Conservatory Water: The model-boat pond will undergo a full reconstruction, including replacement of deteriorated concrete walls, installation of a waterproof basin liner, repair of historic stone steps, and regrading of surrounding paths to improve accessibility.
- Kerbs Boathouse: The 1954 boathouse will receive a top-to-bottom renovation with expanded restrooms, upgraded concession space, new mechanical and electrical systems, accessibility upgrades, and a green roof.
History and Significance
Dedicated in 1873, Bethesda Fountain was designed by sculptor Emma Stebbins — the first woman awarded a public art commission in New York City. Her Angel of the Waters commemorates the opening of the Croton Aqueduct, which delivered clean drinking water to Manhattan beginning in 1842. After more than 150 years of continual use and repeated freeze-thaw cycles, many of the fountain’s systems and surface details need restoration.
"The restoration of Bethesda Fountain and Conservatory Water demonstrates the Central Park Conservancy's unwavering commitment to preserving the Park's iconic landmarks while ensuring they meet the needs of today's visitors," said Betsy Smith, president and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. "These projects honor the original vision of Central Park's designers while incorporating modern infrastructure that will protect these cherished spaces for future generations."
Timing
Work at Conservatory Water is expected to begin later this year, with renovations to the Kerbs Boathouse slated to start in spring 2027. If timelines hold, officials expect both projects to be completed by spring 2028.
Visitors will have to wait before tossing another coin into Bethesda Fountain, but planners say the restoration should allow New York’s most famous fountain to flow for another 150 years.
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