Ladies Pavilion

Ladies Pavilion is an important and charming example of 19th century American decorative arts.

The gothic style Ladies Pavilion is found at a secluded spot on The Lake at Hernshead, a rocky promontory that resembles a heron’s head. The Pavilion's antique-style construction, location, and beauty have made it one of the most sought-after park locations for special events, especially weddings ceremonies and photo shoots. The ornate Victorian pavilion was designed in 1871 as a shelter for trolley passengers and originally stood near the Park's Central Park West and 59th Street entrance. When construction began on the Maine Monument in 1912, the pavilion was relocated inside the Park. Made from cast iron, slate, wood, and stone, The Pavilion's floor is made from Manhattan schist coping stones that had originally been part of another Central Park structure. Coupled with the Pavilion's lakeside location and ample roof, the stone floor makes the Pavilion a cool spot on hot summer days. Bluestone steps lead to the Pavilion from two sides – one entrance faces the lake, and the other faces the path to the Pavilion. The roof is made of gray slate and is crowned with intricate ironwork that both enhances its aesthetic appeal and discourages birds from landing there. Thick iron poles resplendent with intricate Victorian designs support the roof. It provides a classic atmospheric view, changing with light and weather, of Midtown skyscrapers rising from a belt of trees, with the Lake as foreground.