Arsenal (Central Park) facts for kids
The Arsenal is an old brick building in Central Park, New York City. It is right next to the Central Park Zoo. This building was made between 1847 and 1851. It was first used to store weapons and supplies for the New York State Militia. The Militia was a group of citizen soldiers. The Arsenal is the second-oldest building still standing in Central Park. Only Blockhouse No. 1, built in 1814, is older. The Arsenal was built even before Central Park itself was created!
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What is the Arsenal?
The Arsenal is a very old and important building. It has a balanced design and is made of brick. You can find it in Central Park, near 64th Street and west of Fifth Avenue. Today, it holds the main offices for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. It also has offices for the Central Park Zoo.
Who Designed the Arsenal?
The Arsenal was designed by a man named Martin E. Thompson. He first trained as a carpenter. Thompson later became a founder of the National Academy of Design. This was a famous art school. His design for the Arsenal shows a strong, balanced building.
What Does the Arsenal Look Like?
The Arsenal looks like a strong, fortified building. It has a central part that looks like a gatehouse. On each side, there are half-round towers. The building is made of brick laid in a special pattern called "English bond." This means every fifth row of bricks is turned sideways.
The main doorway has special carvings. You can see a bald eagle above the door. Below the eagle are stacks of cannonballs. On the panels next to the door, there are crossed swords and stacked spears. These designs show that the building was meant for military use.
Inside the lobby, there are large murals. These paintings cover the walls from floor to ceiling. They were made by Allen Saalburg in 1935-1936. The murals show scenes from New York life during the American Civil War. They also have fancy designs and patterns.
What Was the Arsenal Used For?
Over the years, the Arsenal has had many different uses.
- It started as a place to store weapons and ammunition.
- For a time, it was home to a zoo.
- It also held collections for the American Museum of Natural History. This was before the museum's own building was finished.
- The building has also been a police station.
- It housed a weather bureau, which studied the weather.
- It even served as an art gallery.
Today, the Arsenal is a busy office building. It helps manage Central Park and the Central Park Zoo.
See also
In Spanish: Arsenal de Central Park para niños
