Belvedere Castle’s Nature Observatory

Belvedere Castle & Nature Observatory perched atop Vista Rock, the second-highest natural point in Central Park. Designed in 1867 by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, the castle was conceived as a whimsical folly—its name, “Belvedere,” means “beautiful view” in Italian—offering panoramic vistas of the park and city skyline.

Originally an open-air lookout, Belvedere Castle has evolved over time. In 1919, it became home to Central Park’s official weather station, a function it continues to serve today with weather equipment still on-site. After periods of closure and disrepair, the castle was restored and reopened as a visitor center in 1983, and later expanded to house the Henry Luce Nature Observatory.

The Nature Observatory inside the castle features ecological exhibits, natural history artifacts, and interactive displays. Visitors—can explore collections of skeletons and papier-mâché birds, use microscopes and telescopes, and borrow field packs with binoculars and guides for birdwatching and nature study around the Ramble and Turtle Pond. The observatory is also a hub for community programs, including birding, wildlife education, and stargazing events led by NYC Urban Park Ranger.

Today, Belvedere Castle & Nature Observatory stands as both a scenic lookout and a vibrant center for environmental education, inviting visitors to discover the natural wonders of Central Park while enjoying some of the most breathtaking views in New York City.