15 Famous New York Monuments And Statues In NYC To Visit

15 Famous New York Monuments And Statues In NYC To Visit

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New York monuments, sculptures, and statues are nothing short of incredible. These are masterpieces where art and history combine to come alive. So, if you are looking for your next Instagram post, the statues in New York are some of your best options.

You could boat over to the Statue of Liberty or hit up the Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park. Regardless, you will encounter a treasure trove of awe-inspiring monuments of New York City that will surely captivate you.

In addition to all the incredible landmarks in New York, here are 15 famous monuments and statues in New York City that see their fair share of tourists. You are sure to have a list of places that you want to visit during your stay.

Famous War Monuments In New York

Soldiers And Sailor’s Monument

The Soldiers and Sailors New York monument was created for Civil War attribution. It is centrally located inside Riverside Park and represents hardship during the period. Often, it is considered a source of inspiration and pride for all Americans.

Each piece of the monument is carefully inscribed with meaningful words. So, you can easily understand what the monument is portraying. It is definitely a great way to learn more about the nation’s heroes that have fallen.

american-merchant-marines-memorial

American Merchant Marines Memorial

Of all the NYC statues, one of the few located on the water is the American Merchant Marines Memorial. This memorial is perfect for those that are familiar with World War II. It represents the merchant mariners that served during the conflict and the sacrifices they made.

The statue is located on the docks and is drenched in a subtle bronze coating. With the mariners standing tall and proud, it symbolizes the role these unsung heroes played. Learn more about this Marine Memorial by visiting it in Battery Park.

Inwood Monument

The Inwood Monument is a three-figure bronze and granite monument in NYC. Made from bronze and granite, this statue in New York honors those that served in World War I. It consists of fallen, kneeling, and standing soldiers helping each other.

Located in the neighborhood of Inwood itself, this statue in New York is secluded from the masses. A visit here is a nice reason for you to explore a different part of the city. You can even take a trip to the Bronx or Fordham as you check out the monument.

Famous New York Monuments of People

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William Tecumseh Sherman Monument

Adding more to American History, the William Tecumseh Sherman Monument is another place to check out. This horseback sculpture features a lifesize statue of General Sherman – a controversial figure during the Civil War period.

A public art piece, the Sherman New York Monument is a great way to develop your American history further. It is tucked away in a quaint corner of Central Park, so it is very accessible. 

Joan Of Arc Memorial

Joan of Arc is a figure of history known for her courage and demand for equality. This heroine is currently a New York Statue that represents selflessness for all historical figures. The magnificent structure consists of her riding a steel horse on top of a marble support structure.

This statue is located in its own park which makes this a unique monument of New York City. It is approximately a 10-minute walk north of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. You will find it at the end of West 93rd Street.

Famous Cultural Monuments In New York

The Kneeling Fireman

One of the core New York Monuments is the Kneeling Fireman. This monument represents the first responders who passed away during 9/11. The statue consists of a firefighter kneeling down with their helmet off.

It is meant to be a quiet experience for mourning. Needless to say, it is a courageous tribute that will allow you to develop a deeper appreciation. Visit it today in Midtown Manhattan right off East 43rd Street.

African Burial Ground National Monument

Another premier statue in New York is the African Burial Ground National Monument. This site is both a monument and a gallery that represents the African American culture. Here, you can learn more about the enslavement and life of free individuals throughout the early centuries.

You can definitely develop a better understanding of the perseverance these people had. Consider visiting the African Burial Monument for a moving experience. It is easily accessible right off Broadway Street in the Civic District.

Famous American Statues In New York

Statue Of Liberty

statue-of-liberty

Arguably the most important NYC statue is the Statue of Liberty. A gift from France, this statue represents the freedom the United States developed after separating from the UK. It boasts a towering 150+ feet with an encapsulating torch.

Although, this statue is located on Ellis Island, in the middle of Upper Bay. Therefore, you must take a ferry to get there and visit in person. The travel is worth it because you can go inside the top of the crown and snap an incredible photo.

As you visit this meaningful and representative New York monument, you will gain an appreciation of American immigrant history. Many travelers come to see the statue but leave with the stories. It is one of the key things New York is known for.

Famous Fantasy Statues In New York

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Alice In Wonderland Statue

If you happen to be a whimsical fan of fantasy movies, then this New York City sculpture cannot be missed. The Alice in Wonderland Statue consists of a few characters from the story. These include Alice herself, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and the Mad Hatter.

This statue is a great way to make your friends jealous with a classic Instagram photo! This sculpture is located in Central Park, right next to the Conservatory Water, so it is hard to miss it.

hans-christian-andersen-statue

Hans Christian Andersen Statue

Similar to Alice in Wonderland, there is another opportunity for our fairy tale fans. The Hans Christian Andersen Statue in New York depicts the legendary Danish storyteller. You might know him for the Little Mermaid and the Ugly Duckling.

Around the statue, you will find characters from these stories. So you can bring your kids and enjoy a real-life experience that is only portrayed on TV. You will find it right in front of the Conservatory Water, just off East Drive.

Famous Historical Statues In New York

Statue Of Confucius

The statue of Confucius is a testament to the Chinese teacher and his knowledge of philosophy. It is surrounded by gardens and waterways. Making it a place to stop and reflect on the wisdom of Confucius and his teachings

One thing to note is that this New York statue is located in a busy place. You will find it on the corner of Bowery and Division Street. So, make sure you pay attention to the traffic along the way!

atlas-sculpture

Atlas Sculpture

An experience for those interested in Greek mythology is the Atlas Sculpture. This monument in New York resembles Atlas holding up a sphere. The sphere helps Atlas portray what it takes to demonstrate the power and strength of the universe.

If you are interested in visiting, then hike on over to the Diamond District. It is located between the Rockefeller Center and St. Patricks Cathedral. Note that there are luxury shops nearby, so you will probably be in for a shopping experience.

Other Famous Statues In New York

Fearless Girl

One of the more memorable New York monuments is the Fearless Girl statue. This bronze statue depicts a young female standing tall to a charging bull. Meaning, it adequately represents female empowerment and resilience alike.

If interested, you can see this statue in person in the Financial District, also known as ‘FiDi’. It’s located right smack in the middle of Broad Street. So, you won’t have to maneuver through any cars or vehicle traffic.

Charging Bull

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The Charging Bull New York sculpture is also located in the Financial District like the Fearless Girl statue. Although this masterpiece is located on Wall Street instead, and aptly so.

One of the most famous New York statues, it is a representation of financial determination. It’s inferred that it is a bronze symbol coursing through the hard work of all Wall Street employees. 

You can find this towering statue at the corner of State Street and Battery Place. So there is definitely tons of things to do in New York around the sculpture itself.

Balto Statue

For our animal lovers out there, the Balto Statue New York monument is one to visit. This sled dog has its own sculpture to honor its life-saving duties in Alaska. Balto played a marquee role in transporting a life-saving serum to cure a diphtheria outbreak in the 1900s.

If you want to visit this cute sculpture, then you are in luck. The dog is located just north of the Central Park Zoo. Just hop on East Drive and take a 5-10 minute stroll until you reach Balto!

Discovering Famous New York Monuments and Statues

As a traveler, you’re will be awestruck by the NYC statues that dot the city’s landscapes. From the Statue of Liberty to the Kneeling Fireman, each sculpture has a NYC fact or story to tell. New York monuments are great spots to visit and learn about cultural history.

Additionally, you might want to snap a few photos along the way. So needless to say, your social media will piping hot with activity. If you find yourself in the Big Apple, then make sure you embark on a trek to these marquee locations.


PIN THESE NEW YORK MONUMENTS AND STATUES FOR LATER!

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Welcome To NomadsUnveiled
This is Rax. For over a decade, I have traveled to over 60 countries - from a budget backpacker to a business traveler, expat and then a digital nomad. You can find insights and perspectives from myself and other world travelers that will inspire your journey of discovery.

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