Manhattan Public Art
Alice in Wonderland Statue: Central Park's Interactive Bronze Wonderland
New York, New York, United States
By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published · Updated
Why it’s cool
This interactive bronze sculpture invites children to literally climb into Lewis Carroll's world, featuring a Mad Hatter modeled after the monument's benefactor.
Tucked away in the greenery of Central Park, a giant bronze mushroom serves as a throne for a literary legend. The park is also home to other hidden landmarks like The Ramble Cave.
Unlike many stoic monuments that demand a respectful distance, this sprawling bronze ensemble was cast specifically to be touched, scaled, and explored by the city's youngest adventurers. It stands as a tactile tribute to the nonsense and wonder of Lewis Carroll’s most famous story.
Why It Stands Out
Commissioned by philanthropist George Delacorte as a memorial for his wife, Margarita, the sculpture captures the characters she loved reading to their children. Artist Jose de Creeft brought the scene to life in , working with the Modern Art Foundry in Queens to create a multi-layered masterpiece.
The central figure of Alice, perched atop a massive fungi, was modeled after the sculptor's own daughter. Surrounding her are the familiar faces of the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and the Dormouse.
Even the Mad Hatter carries a personal touch, bearing the likeness of Delacorte himself. Beyond the characters, the base of the monument is etched with lines from Margarita’s favorite Carroll poem, The Jabberwocky.
Visitors can also spot the lyrics to 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat,' a playful nod to the nursery rhymes that influenced Carroll's writing. The bronze surfaces have been polished smooth over the decades by the hands and feet of thousands of children, fulfilling the original intent of creating a monument that is as much a playground as it is a work of art.
Another whimsical attraction for families is The SeaGlass Carousel.
Before You Go
You can find the sculpture located on the east side of Central Park at th Street. It sits just north of Conservatory Water, making it a perfect stop after watching the model sailboats.
There is no cost to visit, and photography, as well as climbing, is highly encouraged.
Questions worth answering
Is this a typical look-but-don't-touch monument?
Not even close. Jose de Creeft cast these bronze figures specifically for kids to climb and explore rather than just observe from a distance.
Who are the people behind the faces in the bronze?
The sculptor used his daughter as the model for Alice. The benefactor, George Delacorte, is the face you'll see on the Mad Hatter.
Where exactly should we look for it in the park?
Head to the East 74th Street area. It's situated just north of the Conservatory Water where the model boats sail.
What's the story behind its creation?
Delacorte commissioned the piece in 1959 to honor his wife, Margarita. We took our own editorial from there to highlight how it serves as both a memorial and a playground.
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