The Mall and Literary Walk

Stroll The Mall and Literary Walk in Central Park—lined with elms and statues of literary greats, perfect for cultural walks and photo ops in NYC.

The Mall, built in the 1860s, is a grand, tree-lined promenade leading to Literary Walk, a space adorned with statues of notable writers like Shakespeare, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott. It was designed by Olmsted and Vaux as the only formal architectural feature in the otherwise naturalistic park. The pathway is flanked by American elm trees forming a dramatic canopy—one of the largest remaining stands in North America. Fun fact: The Mall has been featured in countless films, from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Enchanted. Today, it serves as a lively cultural corridor where tourists enjoy leisurely strolls, admire historical sculptures, and watch performers and street artists.