The Big Public Square on 42nd Street
You many think you know Bryant Park and the neighboring New York Public Library. But do you really? Do you know the connection of these Midtown icons with drinking water and a world’s fair? What treasures are buried underneath them? Take this brief virtual tour to find out.
Highlights include:
- The Croton distributing reservoir
- The Crystal Palace
- Historic photos of what preceded Bryant Park and the library
- How New York’s first public library was created
- The transformation of Bryant Park from a drug-users hangout to an inviting place for all New Yorkers to relax and play
