The Washington Square Arch is a marble triumpahal arch built in 1892. The design is based on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which in turn is based on the Arch of Titus. The arch was built in Washington Square Park to commemorate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration as President. It also serves as the souther terminus of Fifth Avenue.
Constructed with Tuckahoe marble, the Arch stand 77 feet high with the arch opening at 47 feet. Carved by the Piccirilli Brothers, the artwork on the piece centers on imagery of war and peace in relation to George Washington. The original arch was constructed in 1982 by philanthropist William Rhinelander Stewart. Meant to only be a temporary arch, it was constructed in wood, but was so popular they erected a permanent stone one designed by Stamford White.
