Grand Army Plaza Arch In Brooklyn Reopens After $8.9M Restoration

BROOKLYN, NY — The iconic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza has reopened after an $8.9 million renovation — its first significant restoration in nearly 50 years.

The project was made possible through mayoral funding, NYC Parks and the Prospect Park Alliance restored the Arch and the surrounding plaza and landscaped berms. The project also included replacing the roof and reinforcing the historic structure, as well as repointing its granite stonework to remove years of build-up, staining and spalling; repairing interior elements, including decorative bronze and cast-iron spiral staircases and entrance gates; and designing new, energy-efficient lighting to better showcase the historic elements of the arch and its statuary.

"The Grand Army Plaza Arch stands not only as a gateway to Prospect Park, but as a powerful symbol of Brooklyn’s history, resilience, and pride," Mayor Eric Adams said. "Our administration is dedicated to revitalizing public spaces like the Grand Army Plaza Arch and ensuring that New Yorkers continue to have access to green space throughout the city. This restoration demonstrates our city's commitment to preserving the landmarks that shape our identity and inspire future generations."

The project recently received a Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award from the Landmarks Conservancy, its highest honor for excellence in preservation.

NYC Parks will be holding special tours of the Arch on Saturday, June 28. You can register here.

"By caring for the monuments, statues, and artworks that enhance our public spaces, we’re not just preserving our history – we are communicating to New Yorkers that they deserve the best from their public realm. Parks is proud to maintain over 800 monuments citywide, and we look forward to further partnerships with both the public and private sectors to continue our work as stewards for the city’s outdoor museum," NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa said.