Grand Army Plaza | Brooklyn

Grand Army Plaza is one of Brooklyn's most iconic and historic public spaces, located at the northern entrance of Prospect Park. It serves as both a gateway to the park and a major traffic circle, similar to Manhattan's Columbus Circle.

Here is a detailed overview:

Location and Layout

Grand Army Plaza is situated in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, where several major streets converge:

Flatbush Avenue

Eastern Parkway

Prospect Park West

Union Street

Vanderbilt Avenue

It functions as a traffic roundabout with pedestrian islands, monuments, and landscaped areas inside.

Historical Background

Conceived in the 1860s by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the designers of Prospect Park and Central Park

Intended as a formal entrance to Prospect Park

The central idea was to create a grand ceremonial space for Brooklyn, at a time when Brooklyn was still its own city (before it was consolidated into New York City in 1898)

The plaza was completed in phases throughout the late 19th century, with its most prominent monument—the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch—dedicated in 1892.

Notable Features

1. Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch

The centerpiece of the plaza

Erected to commemorate Union soldiers and sailors who fought in the American Civil War

Designed by John H. Duncan, who also designed Grant’s Tomb

Topped with a dramatic sculptural quadriga (chariot drawn by horses), added later in 1898

The arch has reliefs and allegorical statues representing war, peace, and military valor

2. Bailey Fountain

Located in the center of the traffic circle, in front of the arch

Features classical mythological figures and was completed in 1932

Named for Frank Bailey, a philanthropist who funded it

3. John F. Kennedy Memorial

A bust of JFK set in a plaza behind the fountain

Added in 1965 as a tribute to the late president

4. Statues and Monuments

Statues of Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and other Civil War figures

Henry W. Maxwell Memorial and various bronze reliefs

5. Landscape Design

The interior of the plaza is landscaped with trees, shrubs, flower beds, and benches

Maintained as a green public space, though traffic makes parts of it inaccessible without crosswalks

Urban and Cultural Importance

Grand Army Plaza is the ceremonial entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s largest and most historic park

It links together Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Brooklyn Public Library, all of which are within walking distance

It is a symbolic center of Brooklyn and a frequent site for rallies, public gatherings, farmers' markets, and art installations

Transportation and Accessibility

Major subway lines nearby:

2 and 3 trains at Grand Army Plaza station

B and Q trains at 7th Avenue station

Multiple MTA bus lines serve the area

The plaza handles a huge volume of vehicle traffic, making it both important and challenging for pedestrians and cyclists

Farmers' Market

The Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket is held every Saturday, year-round

It features local produce, baked goods, meats, fish, dairy, flowers, and more

One of the most popular greenmarkets in NYC, operated by GrowNYC

Preservation and Renovation

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch has undergone multiple restorations, including recent efforts to restore the bronze sculptures and masonry

The plaza is regularly studied as part of NYC's Vision Zero and pedestrian safety improvements, with ongoing changes to increase public access and reduce traffic hazards

Cultural References

Grand Army Plaza has been mentioned in literature, music, and film, especially in works that focus on Brooklyn identity

Its monumental scale and neoclassical design make it one of the most photographed and iconic locations in the borough