Question: In what park could you see Cleopatra’s Needle and the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
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Central Park.
You can see Cleopatra’s Needle and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Central Park, located in New York City. Central Park is one of the most iconic urban parks in the world, spanning over 840 acres in the heart of Manhattan. It is home to a variety of landmarks, cultural institutions, and natural spaces, making it a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
Cleopatra’s Needle is one of the park’s notable landmarks. Despite its name, this obelisk has no actual connection to Cleopatra. It is, in fact, an ancient Egyptian obelisk, originally constructed around 1450 B.C. by Pharaoh Thutmose III. It was brought to New York City from Alexandria, Egypt, in 1881 as a gift to the United States in commemoration of the country’s accomplishments. The obelisk stands about 69 feet tall and weighs around 220 tons. It is covered with hieroglyphs that recount the achievements of various pharaohs, and it serves as a striking piece of ancient history within the modern setting of Central Park.
Not far from Cleopatra’s Needle is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as “the Met.” The Met is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world, boasting a collection that spans over 5,000 years of art history. Its massive building, situated along the eastern edge of Central Park on what is known as Museum Mile, houses a wide range of art—from classical antiquities and European masterpieces to modern art and photography. The museum offers a fascinating journey through different cultures and eras, making it a cultural cornerstone of New York City.
Both Cleopatra’s Needle and the Met are located in the eastern section of Central Park. The obelisk is specifically found behind the museum, set on a small knoll in what is called the park’s Greywacke Knoll, while the Met stands prominently on Fifth Avenue along the park’s edge. The proximity of these two attractions allows visitors to enjoy a blend of art, history, and nature within a short walk.