Pride, Culture and Community: A Queer Getaway from Long Island to NYC
Emma Stebbins and the Legacy of the Bethesda Fountain
Explore the life and work of a pioneering American sculptor whose artistry—and personal story—offer a deeper understanding of New York’s cultural and LGBTQ+ history.
In 2025 and 2026, The Heckscher Museum of Art presented Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History, the first museum exhibition dedicated to the artist behind Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain.
While the exhibition has concluded, its scholarship and impact continue to shape how we understand Stebbins’s work and legacy.
Emma Stebbins (1815–1882) was among the first American women to receive a major public art commission in New York City. Her most celebrated work, Angel of the Waters, remains a defining feature of Central Park. Beyond her artistic achievements, Stebbins’s life offers important insight into the networks of women artists and LGBTQ+ individuals working in the 19th century, including her long-term partnership with actress Charlotte Cushman.
Today, visitors are invited to engage with Stebbins’s legacy through ongoing experiences that extend beyond the gallery.
Experience the Work in New Ways
Bethesda Fountain in Augmented Reality
Located in Heckscher Park, the augmented reality experience offers a contemporary interpretation of Stebbins’s most iconic work.
This experience provides an accessible and reflective way to connect with Stebbins’s legacy in a public setting.
Download the app on your phone before your visit or use the QR code below.
The Bethesda Fountain AR experience is made possible from support from Art Bridges. Digital data courtesy of Central Park Conservancy. 3D Scanning and Modeling by Direct Dimensions. “Emma Stebbins AR” is produced by KHORA Virtual Reality.
From Huntington to Central Park
Encounter the Original Sculpture
The iconic Bethesda Fountain can be found at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, where it continues to serve as both a cultural landmark and a significant work in American art history. The fountain has been seen in countless movies and tv shows, including The Avengers, Enchanted, Sex and The City and Elf.
Plan Your Trip
Take all the stress out of planning your visit and follow one of our custom itineraries. Discover other art, history and LGBTQ+ cultural experiences on Long Island and in New York City.
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