bethesda arcade
The Arcade features a stunning ceiling made of patterned encaustic tiles.
Bethesda Terrace Arcade is the arched, interior walkway in the center of Central Park that links the Mall to Bethesda Fountain and the Central Park Lake.
Designed by Jacob Wrey Mould and created in the 1860s, the Arcade features a stunning tiled ceiling with more than 15,000 colorful, patterned encaustic tiles from England’s famous Minton Tile Company. These elaborate tiles were originally used on the floors of European cathedrals. Bethesda Arcade is the only place in the world where these special tiles are used for a ceiling!
Over time the 50-ton ceiling weakened and deteriorated. In the 1980s, the tiles were removed for cleaning. The beautifully restored Bethesda Terrace Arcade re-opened to the public in 2007.