How Central Park Was Created Entirely By Design and Not By Nature | Architectural Digest

Today Michael Wyetzner of Michielli + Wyetzner Architects joins AD in New York for an in-depth walking tour of Central Park. Everything in Central Park got there by considered choice, not by nature, and the park as we know it today is the result of a design competition held in the 1850s. From hidden through-roads to its calming bodies of water, join Michael as he walks you through why Central Park is the best-designed city park in the world.
Director: Hiatt Woods
Director of Photography: Eric Brouse
Editor: Tristen Rogers
Host: Michael Wyetzner
Producer: Skylar Economy
Field Producer: Vara Reese
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Brandon Fuhr
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Audio Engineer: Brett Van Deusen
Production Assistant: Caleb Clark; Alex Mitchell
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Colorist: Oliver Eid
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[@diogomp81]

I would ABSOLUTELY like to see a part 2. Thank you!

[@fatted3004]

I love Central Park and AD did a phenomenal job with the visuals, dialogue and historical elements so yes! Please do a part TWO. Thank you

[@catarinat.d.773]

@diogomp81 bastade!! Mehehehh Mas ya, partu!!

[@VIK_1903]

YES PLEASE

[@idrispathan4163]

​@@fatted300411am RFP

[@SS-mj8zq]

Amen!

[@cherylrleigh1912]

Well done, Mr. Myetzner! I must say, I am personally enthusiastic about the idea of a dedicated series that delves into the creation process behind this remarkable masterpiece of landscape architectural design.

[@michellebaboval9560]

Part 2 please!

[@ShawnLH88]

Wait til you find out how black residents were kicked off the land of Central Park to make it

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Game Design Ramenten Rakuten

[@liberty2308]

This is one of my favorite series on KZbin. It is not only enlightening, but also aesthetically pleasing. I would love love love to see more.

[@adamlindenLS]

We love Wyetzner. Every video with him absolutely crushes. We need more!!! Give him a full AD show 🙌

[@joshuambean]

This was super fascinating. A part 2, 3, 4, & 5 would be more than welcome!

[@cherylb6755]

I agree! Part 2 won’t be enough.

[@handthing9709]

Its a fake park what more can be said?

[@ENGBriseB]

Central Park New York. The Park was based on a park in Birkenhead, Liverpool. Which in England was one of the 1st publicly funded parks in the World.

[@learnenglishwithdayamudra704]

I love Michael's videos. He is so knowledgeable and clearly loves NYC so much. Yes to a Part 2! And I'd love to see a similar video about SF's Golden Gate Park.

[@brendslv_]

Agree! He brings such a great energy to videos. If he were my teacher, I think I'd retain everything!

[@beatm6948]

Yes! (Which I've learned is bigger than Central Park)

[@lisaweaver3291]

How about Belle Isle, a real jewel in Detroit, also designed by Olmsted.

[@hRt42kuo7jTtmk14]

I would love to see a part 2. This was so interesting. I've been there dozens of times, but many of the locations covered in this video I was previously unaware of. Thank you for enlightening me. 🙏🏻

[@OXIR]

Truly wonderful that they thought about a park at this scale at that time and making it as natural as possible. And truly amazing how much value, quality, beauty and character it has given to the city. This park is probably the single most valuable thing in the entire New York City now. Most countries and cities don’t build such parks because they think it’s not worth the money and space because they think it’s better to be used for commercial purposes instead. But it’s value is far beyond money.

[@shadowgattler]

I'm so glad you mentioned Seneca village. It's a vastly overlooked part of the park's history that everyone should know about.

[@lordjoyous]

I’m actually shock that was mentioned

[@Hmfirestormz]

@@lordjoyousshocked😂 people can’t stop taking about race and reparations they would get tons of flack for not doing so😂😂😂

[@catalanluke5315]

Yea there waa 0 need for it to be mentioned

[@lordjoyous]

@@catalanluke5315 must be white

[@lordjoyous]

@@Hmfirestormz yeah just hide the truth that’s what I say. This is why I respect Florida and Texas because they’re atleast trying to erase black history

[@dorothylazard4797]

I never get tired of these AD videos about NYC architecture and city planning. I hope you never run out of topics to cover! A part two of this Central Park video would be much appreciated!

[@ringonhomes]

This has quickly become one of my favorite AD videos. Makes me want to spend the day in Central Park now knowing more of its history and intent. Yes to Part 2!

[@fokkebaarda]

Yeah, I need part 2 for sure. I love parks, and here in my city of Amsterdam I love how we have very different parks, and how I can cross the city on bike and almost always include a park in my route. And how the parks are really the exterior living rooms for many people of all walks of life. But Central Park is of course unique in size and fame. So yeah, already looking foward to it.

[@muhlaynee]

Thank you for mentioning Seneca Village. Still is a fact not commonly known about the Park and its making. I would love a part 2 of this series :)

[@jetermoersdorf1011]

that was the least interesting part tbh

[@n.e.g.u.s]

Im certain that those land owners knew how exactly how much that land would grow in value in the coming years. Its rotten to have endured that quietly without a doubt.

[@lucilaricchieri7567]

I would love to see a second part, please! ❤

[@dianaguerrero1582]

I would love to see a second part, please 😊

[@yusuftamanna693]

Yes please to a part 2! This was so fascinating. My husband and I got married in Central Park near Bow Bridge, hearing all about the entire creation of this wonderful park has warmed my heart!

[@philipgermani1616]

Yes, please provide a Part 2! This video is fascinating and so well done. I used to live in NYC and took the park for granted. What a treasure!

[@jowzzy]

I've only ever been a tourist in NYC a couple times, but Central Park is always a wonder to visit. This video just made it all the more fascinating! Yes to part 2!

[@Cre-Art]

Central Park has always been my favorite part of the City. Understanding how it was designed, and how it all fit together, is fascinating and very much appreciated. :)

[@drewharteveld9874]

Just beautiful. Thanks for bringing us along on your walk. Would LOVE a Part 2!

[@susaneschrich3648]

I have enjoyed every one of your mini lectures that I've seen!! I have especially loved your choice and range of subjects. A second part to this one is a wonderful idea!!!!

[@TJDawgs72]

You could probably do an entire hour on Central Park and still leave some things out. Part II is a definite need...thank you for the entertaining and educational video.

[@MegaJellyNelly]

You wouldn't even see half in an hour!!! It's huge, we spent like 3 hours there and still missed a small corner. We were walking and took a few breaks, but still

[@dominiczaragoza878]

@@MegaJellyNellyI think they meant an hour long video on Central Park not spending an hour there, you definitely wouldn’t see much only spending an hour there haha

[@stefanburlacu335]

Hello! Thank you ! Yes! Part two please!

[@nikitalavrenov4375]

Not only is it absolutely essential to release part 2, but I'd also love this series to expand beyond New York and start covering cities like London and Paris!

[@keboonplumeria5266]

I love the visions and how practical the design despite being build centuries earlier. Timeless and classic!

[@pendefig]

I would love to see part II as well. I would like to note as well, having grown up next to the part in the 60's and 70's that the park would not look like it does today without the efforts of the Central Park Conservancy.

[@TXMEDRGR]

I would love to see more of Central Park.

[@ericbelanger2558]

No question, we need a part 2. Love all of your content.

[@ericfletcher552]

This is truly amazing and we definitely need a part 2!

[@pibbitybibbity]

YES, PART TWO, PLEASE! I’m not a New Yorker but have visited there many times, and I lived in Queens for almost 4 months of a year where I lived in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. I have spent quite a bit of time exploring Central Park, but my favorite spot is Bethesda Terrace. Even when it’s crowded there it’s still so peaceful. I love how there are parts of the park where you can be and-with the exception of sirens when they happen-the park buffers the noise and activity of the city. I love New York City and so many things and places within it, but the park will always just hold a special place in my heart!

[@ljtinney]

It is ridiculous how excited I get when I see there is new AD content on KZbin. THANK YOU.

[@basiacz1]

Yes please for part 2. I love this kind of programs! Thank you!

[@PetraSerrarens]

This is a great video, the architect tells the important and curious history of the Park in a very knowledgeable, pleasant way. I do not only want a Part 2, but a whole series, please! (I am one of the bike tour guides that guide tourists on their discovery of the park by bicycle)

[@reneerussell5866]

Thank You and absolutely would love a part two❤ Wonderful job taking Us along and exploring the history of the park, I enjoyed it very much.

[@fod1855]

So refreshing to see an actual unique video, AD always comes through. Would love to see a part 2!

[@MTGApollo]

NOOOO I WANT MORE PLEASE😭🙏🙏🙏 This is so relaxing and soothing to me, I could watch HOURS of this!

[@carlosgabrielmr]

Part 2 is much needed!! Love Central Park! So iconic.

[@kikihasnaferi]

I would love to see part 2!!! thank you for all historically (and not only) valuable information . It was a great tour , especially for us far away!

[@user-en8im4br5q]

He gave a brilliant and very warm narration of the creation of the park. I enjoyed every word and step of it. Thanks!

[@MissRosieAnnie]

This is fantastic! Would love to see a part 2. An interesting idea would be to have part 2 be a longer walking tour style video.

[@tangledblue12]

A part 2 would be fantastic. In fact, this would make such a great series on urban parks-the Lake Path and Jackson Park in Chicago, Golden Gate Park, etc.

[@marklerfald]

I treasure my annual visits to Central Park and NYC, and thank you for this wonderful video. Yes, please; more Central Park and NYC architecture videos!

[@LSTEdD1]

Definitely yes to a Part 2 to the Central Park video. Speaking as a volunteer guide at The New York Botanical Garden this was a great tour of Central Park!! 😊 Thank you!

[@LOVER_LINK]

Manhattan island is crazy to think about. What once was a lush forest turned into one of the most densely populated urban jungles in the planet

[@christopherdion5213]

Beautifully done! Would love a part 2!

[@zazin555]

Absolutely, Part II, this was fun! I thought you appropriately referenced the neighbourhoods that were displaced to build the park, and elements of the cultural divide that existed before the construction, and persisted after; but this taste only made me want to know more.

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

The most amazing park design I have ever seen or even read about. Definitely, would love a part II.

[@owenekstrom]

Happy y'all put this out, AD. Thanks!

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

Yes! A Part 2 would be great! Thank you, Mr Wyetzner!

[@kezaevangelista9490]

Please make a part 2! Beautiful narration of the history of Central Park! Thanks a lot!

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

This was incredible. Yes, please-would love a part II on Central Park!

[@kelleystreeter6]

I would absolutely love to see a part two. What a wonderful tour so far.

[@MiniMarissa18]

need a part 2 pleaseee! thank fou for all your explanatory videos, love them!

[@LiliVanBerg]

I would love more Central Park or NYC architectural history content for sure! This is so interesting and fun to watch :)

[@iahorvath]

Thank you for the history lesson on Central Park! I would love to see a part II!

[@jpdavies6278]

Excellent piece and yes I agree I'd absolutely like to see Part 2 as well - Happy New Year!

[@christinerumay9180]

AD videos really help me to having ideas how to design a house inside or outside they are amazing, not only in their vids but also in their magazine.. ❤❤❤

[@paulinedudley9656]

YES! Part 2 would be great! I love these walking tours, as well as the architectural details videos.

[@BenjamintheTortoise]

That was amazing!!! Much appreciated! And I'd love to see a part 2!! 😊

[@terriellis3697]

Yes more please! Your enthusiasm is so obvious. Now I need to plan a trip back to NYC to explore. At least, once it warms up a bit.

[@dogold1]

Yes, we want Part II. Thank you very much for Part I.

[@AtsircEcarg]

Wow this was fantastic! I learned so much! I would absolutely love a part two❤

[@sandramclean7647]

Yes to a part 2 and more walking tours by Mr. Wyetzner! The High Line would be great.

[@catkajary4415]

Yes, I walking tour of the High Line is such a great suggestion!

[@chandahopkins]

I would love to see a part two! I loved hearing the history behind the places I have so often visited and enjoyed.

[@margaretkrueger6775]

Yes, a part 2 would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!

[@user-hp1sr8jk3w]

I love these programs and hope you will provide more. I find them more interesting than the ones on celebrity homes.

[@cherylb6755]

Agree.

[@char6081]

Agree

[@fatboyRAY24]

Agree

[@ljtinney]

YES. Please make PART TWO!

[@pacurio]

I love these videos! So elegantly done and informative. Part two would be wonderful.

[@user-zy2yg1yi5p]

This is what internet is meant for..learning and seeing things that's far and knowing better .❤I added this to my bucket list for the next newyork trip.Amazing creation..❤

[@EM-cs7jw]

Yes a part 2 please!! I love all of Michael’s NYC videos

[@paulgar8]

Yes, Part TWO, Please! Thank You!

[@SuperHaijin]

Yes part 2 please! I was born and raised in NYC and never knew about these special treasures in the park

[@menaseven9093]

The Central Park creation was a great project. I like the fact they decided to create a natural park, not a formal park.

[@deirdrereynolds4684]

Part II- yes, please! 🙋🏽‍♀️ Excellent history 📚 Thank you 😊

[@seanpilgrim1715]

Bring on part 2!! I would love to learn more about this fascinating place

[@queenigar]

Thank you for such an amazing video! Can’t wait for the part 2😍🙏🏻

[@re90652]

I’d love to see part 2. I’ve been to the park a few times & loved it. It was so relaxing & it gives a much needed nature boost. Fantastic place for a busy & wonderful city.

[@jeff__w]

Actually, I’d like to see a video about San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, which is, in some ways, very similar to New York’s Central Park (e.g., it’s an entirely created, “artificial” park) and, in some ways, very different-it was far more difficult to turn the desolate, wind-swept location, with its sand dunes, into anything resembling a park. (Frederick Law Olmsted, Central Park’s designer, considered the location so inhospitable that he thought it would be impossible to build a park there.) The civil engineer who _did_ design Golden Gate Park, William Hammond Hall, was only 25 when he designed it and, serendipitously, discovered the secret to conquering the sand dunes.

[@loganb9185]

We definitely need a part two :D

[@DeborahBrown-df7bk]

Yes, please do a Part 2!! Part 1 was fascinating.

[@RanjithVishnuvardhan]

yes, cheers for an upcoming part 2 !! thank you for such an interesting walkthrough!!

[@ninacrane1308]

This was awesome! 😊 I’d love to see a Part 2.

[@marianospinosa601]

Great video! Would love to have a part 2 (and 3 if required!)

[@fishnsyd]

Please do a part 2! I got to visit Central Park for the first time this summer and I know I only saw a sliver of what the park has to offer. I'd like to live vicariously through another video!

[@patricklai4807]

Part 2 Please !!!! This is such a gem! Thank you!!

[@blueroninstudios]

Absolutely make a part two!

[@lindachengartstudio]

This is amazing. We are so fortunate to have this beautiful park at our door steps. Thank you so much for making this video. Can’t wait for part 2.

[@j.w.grayson6937]

I was really impressed with your "tour" of Central Park. I've been there a few times, but each time was in February and it was COLD. I had no idea it was so thoughtfully designed.

[@Thijs.]

The voice, the music, the story it all fits together so nice

[@svcyclops]

These videos revitalize my love of NY. What projects done now in NYC will warrant a video? Little island?

[@ArleneDKatz]

Yes please! Part 2! Wonderful presentation. I’m there every day and I learned so much! Thank you

[@RobertsFamilyHistory]

Part Two Yes Please. That was a great video! Thank you.

[@JulietteVol]

Love it! Please, definitely make a part 2!

[@MsSherryjh]

Oh yes, a Part 2 on Central Park. Please.

[@ENGBriseB]

It was based on Birkenhead Park in Wirral Liverpool England. One of the first publicly funded parks in the world.

[@elvinmarte1023]

What a beautiful place to visit! I didn't know that Central Park was like that. And, of course, the video explanation was a master class.

[@jordank4091]

Love this! Please give us a part 2. I've visited Central Park once but didn't know much about its history.

[@claudiamann7111]

Would love to see a part two. These programs are so wonderful and I always learn something new. Thank you so much.

[@Trufriend61]

YES! Please give us a part 2 and even a part 3 if needed! I was able to visit Manhattan many years ago but unfortunately the 3 other women I traveled with were afraid to wander through Central Park. :( I was deeply disappointed. It is on my bucket list to revisit Manhattan and actually take some time to really see the city! ~Chris

[@Itssshudaa]

Yess I also want to walk through central park one day!! So sad u didn’t get to see it :(

[@ryanyun678]

Yes, please a part 2. Thank you for this video and the next one.

[@user-jz9er1by9s]

Thank you. Beautifully done. I would love part 2 . Growing up in NY I have through the years been to Central Park numerous times.