Built between 1847 and 1851 (one of two buildings whose construction predates Central Park) as a munitions supply depot for the New York State National Guard, this landmark brick building was designed to look like a medieval castle and inside the walls of its entrance hall are covered in faux frescoes. Today the building houses a small gallery, which often exhibits works with an historical or environmental focus, such as nature in the city, living landmarks or waterfalls of upstate New York.

It also houses the offices of NYC's Department of Parks & Recreation and the New York Wildlife Conservation Society, among others.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Upper West Side & Central Park attractions

1. Central Park Zoo

0.06 MILES

This small zoo, which gained fame for its part in the animated movie Madagascar, is home to penguins, snow leopards and lemurs. Feeding times in the sea…

2. Temple Emanu-El

0.07 MILES

Founded in 1845 as the first Reform synagogue in New York, this temple, completed in 1929, is now one of the largest Jewish houses of worship in the world…

3. The Mall

0.2 MILES

This Parisian-style promenade – allegedly the only straight line in Central Park – lined with rare North American elms, is flanked by statues of literati…

4. Frick Collection

0.3 MILES

This spectacular art collection sits in a mansion built by steel magnate Henry Clay Frick, one of the many such residences lining the section of Fifth Ave…

5. Asia Society & Museum

0.38 MILES

Founded in 1956 by John D Rockefeller III (an avid collector of Asian art), this cultural center hosts fascinating exhibits (Buddhist art of Myanmar,…

6. 432 Park Avenue

0.42 MILES

It's a case of 'thin is in' with the arrival of this 1396ft-tall, $1.3-billion residential tower by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly. Its clean, white,…

7. Fifth Avenue

0.42 MILES

Immortalized in film and song, Fifth Ave first developed its high-class reputation in the early 20th century, when it was known for its 'country' air and…

8. Bethesda Terrace

0.43 MILES

The arched and frescoed walkways of Bethesda Terrace, crowned by the magnificent Bethesda Fountain, have long been a gathering area for New Yorkers of all…