Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park

The Alice in Wonderland sculpture is located in Manhattan's Central Park, approximately at 74th street, on the north side of Central Park's Conservatory Water. The statue stands eleven feet high and portrays Alice surrounded by the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat and other characters from the book enjoying a tea party.[1]

The statue was created in 1959 by José de Creeft under the commission of George Delacorte, so children could experience Alice in Wonderland in person. The sculpture was originally cast at the Long Island Modern Art Foundry in the Steinway Mansion.[2] The sculpture is unique because visitors are encouraged to interact with the statue. The statue is made of bronze and was derived from images John Tenniel created for the original publication. The face of Alice is actually based off Creeft's daughter, Donna.[1] The sculpture's Mad Hatter is a caricature of George Delacorte.[3]

At the base of the sculpture are engravings from Lewis Carol's poem Jabberwocky.[4] The sculpture was dedicated to George's wife Margarita whose name is located at the base of the sculpture. Additionally, there are six plaques located around the base of the sculpture that depict her favorite moments from Alice in Wonderland.[5]

Controversies

  • The statue was the subject of a foiled terrorist plot in April 2020. Kevin Fallon was arrested for plotting to blow up the statue, as well as threatening to kill several others. He was sentenced to psychiatric care and evaluation.[6][7]
  • There has been an ongoing debate since the sculpture was erected within the city of NY, over whether the statue depicts the White Rabbit, or the March Hare.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 "Alice in Wonderland". Central Park Conservancy. 2023-09-15. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
  2. ↑ "The History Behind Central Park's Beloved Alice in Wonderland Sculpture". Viewing NYC. 2017-04-25. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  3. ↑ Xu, Susan (2017-04-25). "Alice in Wonderland Statue in Central Park Has Roots at the Modern Art Foundry in Astoria". Untapped New York. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  4. ↑ Fishbein, Rebecca (2015-04-16). "The 16 Best Public Art Pieces In NYC". Gothamist. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
  5. ↑ "Alice in Wonderland (Central Park) – Dianne L. Durante, Writing Addict + Adept". Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  6. ↑ Burke, Kerry; Parascandola, Rocco; Tracy, Thomas (2020-04-14). "'I am lethal' — NYC man accused of plotting to blow up Central Park's Alice in Wonderland statue, kill parents and girlfriend". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
  7. ↑ "Man Threatened to Bomb Central Park 'Alice in Wonderland' Statue: Police". NBC New York. 2020-04-15. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
  8. ↑ Barron, James (2016-03-13). "Resolving the Nagging, if Minor, Mysteries of New York City". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-09-12.

40°46′30.1″N 73°57′59.6″W / 40.775028°N 73.966556°W / 40.775028; -73.966556

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