Fort Tryon Park’s 85th Anniversary

Fort Tryon Park opened on October 12, 1935 as a New York City public park. The park was created primarily with private funding from John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and public funds allocated by Robert Moses and NYC Parks. (The Cloisters was built a few years later. It is owned and maintained by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and sits on its own private 4 acres in the park.)

john d. rockefeller, jr.’s opening day speech

Fort Tryon Park is now a Scenic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its unique scenic character has been recognized by the World Monuments Fund, the National Park Service, the National Association of Olmsted Parks, the Cultural Landscape Foundation, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the NYC Landmarks Commission, among others.

The Fort Tryon Park Trust has worked for 22 years to ensure the legacy of Fort Tryon Park as a beautiful sanctuary and thriving outdoor classroom, green gym, performance space, and community gathering place is preserved and enhanced for the next 85 years! Stay tuned to our website for events, park history, community stories, and activities to explore and celebrate this beloved open space oasis.