delacorte clock
The Delacorte Clock: A Whimsical Central Park Favorite
The Delacorte Music Clock, tucked along the path between the Central Park Zoo and the Tisch Children’s Zoo, is one of the park’s most enchanting attractions, especially for children.
Every half hour from 8 AM to 6 PM, six bronze animal statues appear to come alive, slowly parading in a circle as music plays.
Each animal holds an instrument, creating a delightful concert of characters including a goat playing pipes, a kangaroo and joey blowing into a French horn, a penguin on drums, a bear with a tambourine, a hippo with a violin, and an elephant squeezing an accordion, topped off by two monkeys with tiny mallets striking a bell.
The songs usually feature classic nursery rhymes, but during the holiday season, the playlist switches to a rotation of festive Christmas carols.
Artistic Legacy and Inspiration
The whimsical sculptures were crafted by Italian artist Andrea Spadini, whose signature is etched into the base of each figure. The entire creation was inspired by the musical clocks that philanthropist and publisher George T. Delacorte admired while traveling in Europe.
History of the Clock
- 1965: The Delacorte Clock was officially dedicated and unveiled.
- 1995: The Central Park Conservancy oversaw a full restoration of the sculptures, funded by an endowment from the Delacorte family.
- 2017: The Clock’s electrical system was modernized, and its music selection became digital, ensuring its melodies continue for generations to come.
Today, the Delacorte Clock remains a favorite stop for families and a magical piece of Central Park’s character.