Verdi Square

Verdi Square, often referred to as Verdi Park, is a small public space on the Upper West Side, nestled at the intersection of Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue between West 72nd and 73rd Streets. This 0.1-acre trapezoidal park, named after the legendary Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, serves as a traffic island and a neighborhood landmark.

At its heart stands the striking Verdi Monument, sculpted by Pasquale Civiletti in 1906. The monument features a statue of Verdi atop a granite pedestal, surrounded by four marble figures representing characters from his most famous operas: Aida, Otello, Leonora, and Falstaff. The surrounding garden, refreshed in recent years, blooms with seasonal flowers and native plants, offering a spot for relaxation amid the city’s bustle.

Verdi Square is celebrated for its cultural legacy—once a gathering place for renowned musicians like Enrico Caruso and Arturo Toscanini—and continues to inspire with its annual Verdi Square Festival of the Arts, featuring free concerts each September. Designated a New York City Scenic Landmark, Verdi Square remains a green oasis and a tribute to music, art, and community in the heart of Manhattan. Frequently known as Needle Park in the 1960’s and 1970’s when it was populated by drug dealers and users. nycgovparks.org