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Central Park South in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Doris C. Freedman Plaza

 
 
Doris C. Freedman Plaza Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, October 1, 2017
1. Doris C. Freedman Plaza Marker
Inscription.
This plaza is dedicated to the memory and vision of Doris Chanin Freedman (1928-1981). As director of Cultural Affairs for New York City, President of City Walls, The Municipal Art Society and the public Art Fund, she was a champion for the arts, for artists, and the right of the public to enjoy art in their daily lives.

Thanks to Doris Freeman, artists were allowed to reside legally in their SoHo studios. Through her efforts, New York City introduced Percent for Art Legislation, requiring civic construction projects to spend a portion of their budgets on art. As a pioneer in the field of public art, Doris Freedman labored tirelessly to enliven and humanize the urban environment.

The people of the City of New York are the beneficiaries of her vision.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, MusicWomen.
 
Location. 40° 45.906′ N, 73° 58.369′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Central Park South. It can be reached from Grand Army Plaza near near East 60th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Park Rd, New York NY 10019, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Metropolitan Club (within shouting distance of this marker); William Tecumseh Sherman
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(within shouting distance of this marker); Lombard Lamp (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Army Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); ההגנה / Haganah (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Plaza Hotel (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Plaza Hotel (about 400 feet away); Knickerbocker Club (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
 
Another marker is no longer nearby. William Tecumseh Sherman Monument (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
 
Also see . . .  Doris Freeman. Wikipedia biography (Submitted on April 7, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.) 
 
Doris C. Freedman Plaza image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, October 1, 2017
2. Doris C. Freedman Plaza
The opening beyond is the Scholars' Gate; the path is the Wein Walk, leading to the Central Park Zoo.
"Desire Lines" image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, August 27, 2015
3. "Desire Lines"
One of the ever-changing displays from the Public Art Fund at the plaza.
Doris C. Freedman image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Unknown, unknown
4. Doris C. Freedman
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 753 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.   4. submitted on April 7, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
 
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide view photo of the marker showing its location in context. • Can you help?
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Jun. 19, 2026