Manhattan Public Art
Alice in Wonderland Statue: Central Park's Interactive Bronze Wonderland
New York, New York, United States
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. 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 1959, 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.
Before You Go
You can find the sculpture located on the east side of Central Park at 74th 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.
More in Northeast
All Northeast places →Patent Pending
New York, New York
Located within the very walls where Nikola Tesla once resided, this site features a clever, tucked-away tribute to the man who pioneered wireless energy.
Grand Central Terminal Whispering Gallery
New York, New York
This architectural anomaly allows a soft whisper to travel across a bustling transit hub, carried perfectly along the curves of historic herringbone tile arches.
Greenacre Park
New York, New York
This pocket park offers a rare moment of serenity in the heart of Manhattan, where the roar of a cascading waterfall drowns out the surrounding city traffic.