Welcome to the Columbus Circle!

Columbus Circle, first envisioned as the grand entryway to Central Park and transformed in 1905 into the first traffic circle in the United States, is a major New York City landmark. Watched-over for more than a century by a marble statue of its namesake, Christopher Columbus, standing atop a seven-story granite pillar the location is the centerpiece of famous New York City crossroads. Broadway, Central Park West, Central Park South, Eight Avenue as well as the Southwest entrance to Central Park converge at the circle. The Columbus monument, dedicated in 1892, commemorates Columbus' first voyage to the Americas. Its pedestal includes bronze reliefs of his ships, The Nina, The Pinta and the Santa Maria, and an angel holding a globe in tribute to world exploration. Recent renovations include new water fountains, landscaping including plants and a grassy area as well as benches, encouraging visitors to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

The twin towers of the Time Warner Center headquarters which includes a vertical shopping mall and restaurant complex, luxury apartments and the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel dominate the west side of the circle. The Trump International luxury hotel and Tower is located on the North side. Besides Central park, Columbus Circle is within comfortable walking distance of Lincoln Center, Fifth Avenue shopping, the Plaza Hotel( now undergoing renovation) and the famous Dakota Apartments.