About Us
Welcome to The Obelisk, a captivating tourist attraction nestled in the heart of Manhattan on East 81st Street, New York City. Known as Cleopatra's Needle, this remarkable monument is the oldest outdoor monument in New York City and a testament to ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and history.
Originally carved around 1425 BCE in Heliopolis, Egypt, The Obelisk is a 220-ton granite monolith that was one of two obelisks commissioned by Pharaoh Thutmose III for the Temple of the Sun. Its journey to Central Park is a tale of ancient grandeur and modern engineering. Gifted to the United States by Khedive Ismail Pasha in the 1870s, the Obelisk was transported to New York and installed in Central Park in January 1881, a feat of logistics and diplomacy commemorating the opening of the Suez Canal.
Standing majestically on Greywacke Knoll, across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Obelisk connects the heavens and earth, embodying eternity and immortality. Its rich history includes a Roman relocation to Alexandria, where it adorned a temple dedicated to Julius Caesar, built by Cleopatra. The name "Cleopatra’s Needle" has endured through the ages, reflecting its storied past.
In 2011, the Central Park Conservancy undertook a comprehensive three-year conservation project, collaborating with experts, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to preserve this ancient treasure. Today, The Obelisk continues to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the past amidst the vibrant landscape of Central Park.
Explore this historic monument and discover the rich tapestry of Central Park’s attractions, from literary figures to ancient artifacts. Support the Central Park Conservancy in keeping the park a vital public treasure by donating, volunteering, or becoming a member. Whether you're an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a picturesque spot in the park, The Obelisk promises a memorable experience for all.
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Hours open
Monday:
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Tuesday:
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Wednesday:
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Thursday:
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday:
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Saturday:
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday:
6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
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Photos
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Reviews
"An absolute dream come true to visit and witness its size and its beauty and ponder on its age too. The hieroglyphics are faded and at first, this was sad, then my perspective changed and I was filled with gratitude because I was finally standing in front of Cleopatra’s Needle. In all my visits to NY, I had never been and my guy never having visited told me we needed to go. Some people really do bring us closer to ourselves. Hotep☥"
"The Obelisk, also known as Cleopatra's Needle, is a fascinating historical monument in Central Park. Originally erected in Heliopolis, Egypt, around 1450 BC, it was gifted to the United States in 1877. Standing tall near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this granite obelisk reaches about 70 feet in height and weighs approximately 220 tons. Its ancient hieroglyphs tell stories of Pharaoh Thutmose III. Surrounded by lush greenery, the Obelisk offers a unique glimpse into ancient history and is a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Central Park."
"What is the real significance of the obelisk? The obelisk has travelled across the globe and the crab legs added for support.... has inscriptions about a cult belief at the time... But essentially, this has to do with a turning to monotheism, a unifying 'God' referred to as Ra, the sun god. Actually, the site of the greatest center of learning in Egypt: "it was in this region that Jacob lived during the time he spent with his son Joseph in Egypt. At Heliopolis was situated the greatest university of ancient times. Here Moses was educated and Joseph married the daughter of Potiphera, the controlling priest in the temple of the sun at Heliopolis. It was in this neighborhood that Jacob and Joseph met when the ancient patriarch came down from Canaan with his household." from a book: "Earthly Footsteps .... from Jerusalem to Rome" by Bishop John H. Vincent, D.D., LL.D., Rev. James W. Lee, D.D., and R.E.M. Bain. London: W.A. Hammond, Holborn Hall, E.C."
"A great place to visit in central park, and near metro museum. One of three 3500 year old obelisk. Shipped to NYC in 1880 it took 112 days to move it from the quarantine station to its current location"
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