Columbus Circle, located in the Upper West Side of New York City, is a significant landmark both historically and geographically. Named after Christopher Columbus, it features a monumental statue of the explorer, erected in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of his arrival in the Americas. The Columbus Monument, designed by Italian sculptor Gaetano Russo, stands at the center of the circle, which is a major traffic junction and a key point for measuring distances in New York City.
The circle itself was part of the original design for Central Park by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It serves as the southwestern entrance to the park. Surrounding the circle are notable buildings, including the Time Warner Center, which is a mixed-use skyscraper housing offices, residential spaces, and the upscale shopping mall known as the Shops at Columbus Circle. The Mandarin Oriental hotel, situated in the Time Warner Center, offers some of the best views of the city.
The Museum of Arts and Design, located at 2 Columbus Circle, is another key attraction. It was founded in 1956 and originally known as the Museum of Contemporary Crafts. Its collection includes nearly 2,000 objects spanning various media such as ceramics, glass, and jewelry. The building itself, once dubbed the "Lollipop Building," underwent a significant redesign in 2008 by architect Brad Cloepfil.
Columbus Circle also features an underground station of the New York City Subway known as the 59th Street–Columbus Circle station. Opened in 1904, this station serves the A, B, C, D, and 1 trains and is one of the busiest stations in the system.
In 2005, the circle underwent a major renovation to make it more pedestrian-friendly. Designed by Olin Partnership and Jacques Wirtz, the redesign added new fountains, benches, and plantings, transforming it into a welcoming public space.
In popular culture, Columbus Circle has appeared in numerous films and television shows. For instance, it was featured in the movie "Enchanted", where characters step out of the subway and into the circle, and in "The Devil's Advocate", where it serves as a backdrop for key scenes.
Overall, Columbus Circle is not just a traffic hub but a vibrant part of New York City’s fabric, combining history, commerce, and culture in one iconic location.