Exploring the Fabulous Fountains of Midtown Manhattan

Water has always been at the heart of New York City’s public spaces, but few take the time to stop and admire the fountains that make these gathering spots so memorable. What hidden stories and artistic secrets flow beneath their shimmering surfaces? It's time to explore some of the city's most distinctive fountains and uncover their surprising past.

Join New York Adventure Club as we hit the streets to uncover a fascinating collection of fountains in New York City, from historic landmarks to modern urban oases, each with its own unique story to tell. This route will focus on Midtown Manhattan, home to some of the city’s most distinctive and storied water features.

Led by Stephanie Azzarone — a former journalist, and author of Fabulous Fountains of New York — this in-depth experience will include:

• A visit to the hiding-in-plain-sight New York Public Library fountains, “Truth” and “Beauty"
• A stop at Rockefeller Plaza’s Channel Gardens & Prometheus Fountain, including the nearby fabulous “Christmas Balls” fountain
• A look inside Midtown’s hidden pocket parks, including Greenacre Park and Paley Park, with their jewel-like water features
• An overview of the Pulitzer Fountain, whose bare-bottomed sculpture prompted Mrs. Vanderbilt to move to the other side of her 137-room mansion
• The history of the first major monument in New York City to honor a woman
• Stories behind unusual sculptures, from a headless Venus de Milo to the 24K gold-leafed “Leapin’ Louie”

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**This tour will conclude at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue

About Stephanie

Stephanie is the author of Fabulous Fountains of New York and Heaven on the Hudson: Mansions, Monuments, and Marvels of Riverside Park.

Stephanie Azzarone is a native New Yorker who has spent many joyous hours learning about the city’s history and architecture. A former journalist (freelancer for The New York Times and New York magazine, among others), she also ran an award-winning Manhattan public relations agency. Stephanie has a degree in Journalism from New York University and is a licensed New York City sightseeing guide.

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours