Hicham Aboutaam: The Beauty of Central Park

There has never been a better time to enjoy the beauty and energy offered by Central Park. With my gallery located across the street at 725 Fifth Avenue, we often have the pleasure of seeing what is happening in the park. And it’s worth knowing about the many activities and taking the chance to enjoy them yourself.

Central Park has always had the horse and carriage rides. This is such a romantic, fun way to explore Central Park. The rides are from 9am to midnight during the week and from 10am to midnight on the weekend and one carriage can typically fit 3-4 people. There are some other fun ways to explore the area as well if you don’t want to walk. There are Pedicab Tours with a guide who will take you through the area and teach you many things about the attractions and landmarks. These tours typically last from 1-3 hours.

For those with a bit more energy to spare, Central Park also has biking and walking tours. These tours allow you to meet other people with common interests, and to hear details about the park that you might not learn about on your own.

Of course, the Central Park Zoo is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area. Tickets need to be purchases ahead of time, but once you have those you can enjoy the 130 different species of animals and birds in a gorgeous setting right in the middle of the park. I always find these trips fascinating as I take a personal interest in the antiquities in the shape of animals we have at our gallery: Electrum, the exclusive agent for Phoenix Ancient Art. It’s interesting to compare the Archaic Greek Bronze Boar to the modern day boar, or to see the reliefs preserved from the old Antelope House and imagine what the creator of the Egyptian Wood Antelope Dish was observing as he crafted this delicate piece.

Of course, for those who love exercise, Central Park is the best place to be. There are sunrise yoga classes organized through the park, the Lower Central Park Run, an upcoming 5K Fun Run and so much more. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of work, shopping, and touring to relax with the beauty offered by this small city oasis.