NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

New York City was 100 years ahead of today's entertainment conglomerates in building fantastic edifices, as its Belvedere Castle attests. Designed in 1867 as a castle scaled down to look remote, this Central Park landmark has been the site of the city's weather station since 1919 and was reincarnated in 1996 as the Henry Luce Nature Observatory. Now, in addition to a spectacular view of the park and city beyond, this mythical-looking structure, built of real stone, offers visitors of all ages an interactive nature exhibit. They may also participate in weekend family programs, many offered year-round, to learn how to observe, record and identify the many micro-organisms, insects, birds and other forms of wildlife living in Central Park's ponds and woodlands. For information on tours, changing exhibits, workshops or self-guided Discovery Kits, contact the Conservancy at Belvedere Castle.

• Landmark Status: National Register of Historic Places, New York City Landmark

• Disability Access: None