Grand Army Plaza
Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, New York City, NY, 11238
Framing the northern corner of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, the oval-shaped Grand Army Plaza looks like something out of Paris. Originally known as Prospect Park Plaza, the square boasts a 19th-century military arch, the art deco Bailey Fountain, tree-dotted lawns, classical-style gazebos, and the popular Saturday Greenmarket. The plaza serves as the park’s main entrance, and it’s a piece of American history every NYC visitor should see.
The Basics
Created in 1867 and remodeled in the 1890s, Grand Army Plaza was declared a US National Historic Landmark in 1975. Its centerpiece is the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch—a monumental arch honoring the Union servicemen of America’s Civil War. Other highlights include a statue of John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the US, the art deco Bailey Fountain, and the popular Saturday Greenmarket.
Visit the plaza, one of Brooklyn's major landmarks, to feel the pulse of the borough. See it on a walking or adventure tour of Prospect Park; pedal by on a bike tour of Brooklyn’s highlights; or book a themed tour such as a Brooklyn-area scavenger hunt. You can also view the plaza on a hop-on hop-off tour—buses on select routes stop right outside.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Grand Army Plaza interests those who want to explore Prospect Park and Brooklyn.
Allow about 30 minutes to see the plaza’s monuments.
The plaza is largely wheelchair- and stroller-friendly and has a public restroom.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza is via subway: take the B, Q to Seventh Avenue, just a stroll away. Alternatively, take the 2, 3, 4 to Grand Army Plaza. If you drive, be prepared for congestion and look for paid street parking or garages nearby.
When to Get There
The Grand Army Plaza is open daily, 24 hours. There’s no bad time to visit, but know that it gets busy on weekends, especially in summer. To beat the crowds, aim for a morning visit to avoid the peak times between 2pm to 6pm.
Attractions Near the Grand Army Plaza
Once you’ve seen the plaza’s monuments or the artisanal food stands of its weekly Saturday Greenmarket, explore more at nearby sights. Stroll around leafy Prospect Park, admire the striking Brooklyn Public Library, view the art at the Brooklyn Museum, or discover the plants, herbs, and wildlife at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden—they’re all within walking distance.
Ways to explore
Created in 1867 and remodeled in the 1890s, Grand Army Plaza was declared a US National Historic Landmark in 1975. Its centerpiece is the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch, a monumental arch that honors the Union servicemen of America’s Civil War.
Visit the plaza, one of Brooklyn’s major landmarks, to feel the pulse of the borough. See it on a walking or adventure tour of Prospect Park, pedal by on a bike tour of Brooklyn’s highlights, or book a themed tour, such as a Brooklyn-area scavenger hunt. You can also view the plaza on a hop-on hop-off bus tour—select routes stop outside.
Accessibility
The north plaza (with the General Sherman statue) is ADA-accessible.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, camera, light blanket if needed for sitting, reusable shopping bags if visiting the Saturday market
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, weather-specific clothing
Not allowed
Littering, vandalism, disruptive behavior
Amenities
Seating areas, public art, paved walking spaces, restrooms in Prospect Park
Address
Grand Army Plaza is in Brooklyn on the northern edge of Prospect Park. There are plenty of ways to get there, whether you’re on foot, on a tour, or traveling by public transport.
Driving
Driving is possible, but navigating Brooklyn’s busy streets is challenging. If you’re coming from Manhattan, take the Brooklyn Bridge or the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to Flatbush Avenue, and head north to the plaza. Street parking is limited, but parking apps offer reservable garage spaces.
Public transportation
This is your best bet. Take the 2 or 3 subway line directly to Grand Army Plaza station, or the B/Q trains to Seventh Avenue. Bus options include the B41, B67, and B69 lines. From Manhattan, the N, R, or W trains connect to Brooklyn subway lines for an easy transfer.
Best times to visit
Visit in the early morning for peaceful strolls around the park, or early evening for golden-hour lighting. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded than weekend mornings.
Best days to visit
Saturdays are best if you want to combine your visit with the farmers market. Otherwise, come on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Best months to visit
The weather is pleasant from May through October, when the Bailey Fountain is typically operating. Spring brings blooms in adjacent Prospect Park, while fall offers nice foliage.
Special events
The Saturday Greenmarket farmers market runs year-round, and summer concerts are hosted from June through August. Prospect Park has a ton of events throughout the year, too.
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