Columbus Circle is a major landmark in Manhattan, located at the southwest corner of Central Park. It’s a traffic circle and a key intersection where Broadway, Central Park South, Central Park West, and Eighth Avenue all meet. The circle serves as a significant gateway to several neighborhoods, including the Upper West Side, Hell’s Kitchen, and the Theater District.
- Columbus Monument: At the center of the circle is the historic Columbus Monument, a statue of Christopher Columbus on a tall column, dedicated in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of his arrival in the Americas.
- The Shops at Columbus Circle: This upscale shopping mall is part of the Deutsche Bank Center (formerly Time Warner Center). It features a variety of high-end retail stores, restaurants, and a large Whole Foods Market. Jazz at Lincoln Center, a world-renowned performance venue, is also located here.
- Central Park: Columbus Circle is the main entrance to Central Park’s southwest corner, known as Merchants’ Gate. From here, you can easily access attractions like the Central Park Zoo, the Wollman Rink, and the beautiful pathways of the park.
- Museums: The area is a cultural hub, with several museums nearby, including the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), located right on the circle, and the American Museum of Natural History just a short walk away.
- Lincoln Center: The famous performing arts complex is a few blocks north of the circle.
Columbus Circle is the official municipal zero-mile point from which all official distances from New York City are measured. The circle was redesigned in 2005, transforming the central area into a pedestrian-friendly plaza with fountains, benches, and trees.The USS Maine National Monument is located at the southwest entrance to Central Park, honoring the sailors who died in the sinking of the USS Maine in 1898.
