Two of Central Park’s most legendary landmarks are about to undergo a massive, $37 million facelift—but it means one of NYC’s most recognizable photo ops will be shut off and closed off to the public for an entire year.
Starting in early August 2026, the Central Park Conservancy will officially begin restoring Bethesda Fountain, the 150-year-old centerpiece that has served as the backdrop for countless marriage proposals, movie scenes, and family photos. The beloved fountain will be completely shut off and surrounded by construction fencing for roughly a year while crews overhaul its aging infrastructure.
(Don’t panic: Bethesda Terrace itself will remain fully open to the public, so you can still take in the views of the Lake!)
But the fountain isn’t the only park staple getting a major upgrade. A short walk east, the storied Conservatory Water—the beloved pond where New Yorkers have sailed model boats since the 1800s—is also set for a total reconstruction.
Together, these two preservation projects represent a massive $37 million investment, primarily funded by private contributions and the City of New York, to ensure these iconic destinations survive for generations to come.
A long-overdue overhaul for Bethesda Fountain
Dedicated in 1873, Bethesda Fountain was designed by sculptor Emma Stebbins—the first woman to receive a public art commission in NYC. At the top sits the Angel of the Waters sculpture, which celebrates the 1842 opening of the Croton Aqueduct that first brought fresh drinking water to the city.
However, after a century and a half of wear, the fountain’s infrastructure is failing. To fix it, crews will be:
- Replacing the mechanical systems: Modern equipment will keep the water flowing reliably and make the fountain easier to maintain
- Restoring the cascades: The project will fix the water circulation, bringing renewed movement back to its iconic cascading pools
- Recreating lost history: Conservators will actually recreate missing historic sculptural details that have vanished over the decades
Rebuilding Conservatory Water & the Kerbs Boathouse
Inspired by the Grand Basin in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens, Conservatory Water has long been the ultimate gathering spot near the Alice in Wonderland statue. Unfortunately, decades-old cracks in the basin mean the pond is constantly leaking water.
Alongside a full rebuild of the pond, the adjacent Kerbs Boathouse (built in 1954) will see its first substantial renovation ever.
Here’s what to expect at the pond:
- A waterproofed basin: The pond will be reconstructed with a brand-new waterproof foundation and repaired historic stone steps
- Boathouse upgrades: The Kerbs Boathouse will double its restroom capacity, improve accessibility, and expand concession spaces
- Greener design: Outdated systems will be replaced with modern electric infrastructure, and new green roofs will help the building blend seamlessly into the park landscape
The details: Restoration timeline
- Early August 2026: Bethesda Fountain is turned off and fenced in for approximately one year
- Late 2026: Construction officially begins on Conservatory Water
- Spring 2027: Renovations begin on the Kerbs Boathouse
- Spring 2028: All work is expected to be completed
For more information and updates on the project, visit centralparknyc.org/restoration.