This is an amazing, under rated site. I can't believe NYC doesn't talk more about this. This should be talked about in every tour and every brochure given to locals and tourist alike. This is am amazing site to be seen. This obelisk is 4000 years old. Gifted to us a long time ago. It's amazing how they have preserved it. Best time to go is around morning when there are not many people there so you can have the place all to yourself. It is directly behind the metropolitan museum. You can go there just a short walk away from 5th ave. Also pay close attention to the crabs. They have writing on them. If you get a chance go there during sunset as well. The lights make it look so amazing. I like the fact you can go right up to it and touch it. Be respectful to the place. Don't miss the hamilton monument right by there as well. Photos are attached for that as well in my review. Please ask any questions you might have. I'm here to answer them.

We recently visited Central Park and enjoyed seeing some of the park monuments alongside spring blooms which were starting to fill the trees. This was particularly the case with Cleopatra's Needle, the 3500 year old Egyptian obelisk situated directly behind Central Park. The obelisk itself is historically interesting and nicely set in the Park. However, at this time of the year it is gorgeously surrounded by magnolias which are in full bloom, providing a delightful cream white and light pink colour to the scene. The park benches at Cleopatra's Needle make for delightful places to take a seat and enjoy the spring colours right now. We also very much liked seeing the monument and magnolias from within the MET at the Petrie Court Cafe and the far end of sculpture galley (Room 548) on Floor 1.

We think "wow" about covers it Had to share this unreal shot of the Obelisk at sunrise, captured by Perched above King Edward Park, the Obelisk is one of Newcastle's oldest navigational markers and provides stunning 360 degree views of the ocean, harbour and @australia @visitnsw #newcastleaustralia #newcastlensw #seekoffbeat #theobelisk #sunrise #sunriseshots #sunrisecolours #theprettycities #feelnsw #discovernsw #seeaustralia
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

This place is a great pitstop when visiting Central Park! ️ The Obelisk, also know as Cleopatra's Needle, is a beautiful stone statue on the west side of the park. This is a great place to relax and unwind and take some Instagram-worthy photos. If you're lucky, try coming in during Cherry Blossom season! I wish more people knew about this place!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Rich historical monument. It is important to note that the inscriptions engraved on the needle, are translated and placed in a plaque close to it.A remarkable piece of history , it is the part of another pair of ancient Egyptian obelisk. Re- erected one in London and another in New York City. This one is in NYC is said to be erected in central Park in the year1881. Definitely a must visit place at central Park.

I'm a little upset this isn't more well known. Such an ancient artifact (more than 3000 years old) just sitting in the middle of Central Park, nearly unknown, is just wrong. I'll also say shame on NYC for not taking care of the Obelisk, you can see the weather damage to this ancient artifact.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Part of the amazing history of New York City. Erected in 1881 the obelisk is a symbol of world contribution to form NYC. There is space to sit around the obelisk. The site is right behind the MET museum and is worth a visit after seeing the Egyptian collection at MET.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This is a really neat thing to see in Central Park! I had read up on it prior to my visit from Cincinnati, and knowing the history behind it, and the effort it took to move it from Egypt to Central Park is amazing.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This is such a cool piece of history in NYC! It is hidden right behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art so if your in the area definitely check it out!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

It is an unreal experience to stand in front of a 3,500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk! A bit sad this is here alone while the other needle is in London.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Hard to believe that something from 1600BC can still be standing. Cleopatras needle now sits here in Central Park. Nice place to see an authentic Egyptian artifact in NYC. There are benches surrounding the needle so you can sit and take it all in.

Fascinating monument I didn't realize was right in Central Park. This ancient obelisk was relocated to New York from Egypt and is the oldest man made object in New York. There is a plaque with a translation of the hieroglyphic inscription.

3,600 years old and from Egypt.. why isn’t New York protecting this?
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Super cool to see something that's thousands of years old just chilling. If you love Egypt are around the met, or just wanna see something you don't see everywhere, then this is for you!

A very nice obelisk and it's the oldest outdoor monument in NYC.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

After reading the other reviews I now realize the immense history of this attraction! It’s a cool thing to see. Went a couple days ago and it seemed to be fenced off. Five stars.

The oldest artwork of Central Park, from ancient Egypt 3500 years ago. In the background of the Monument is MET. It's really worth visiting.
Reservation recommended
No

Quiet spot Perfect for rest and eating.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

stumbled upon this walking around Central Park. it was so cool to see. it has some pretty interesting history if you look it Cleopatra's Needle on Wikipedia.

Interesting monument in central park.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free