Lehman Gates

Lehman Gates. Recently Completed. , During the winter of 2018 the Central Park Conservancy applied a new protective coating to the bronze sculptural element of the Lehman Gates, as part of an ongoing program of work the maintain Central Park’s sculptures and monuments. The coating protects the bronze from corrosion and other types of deterioration caused by exposure to the elements. The Conservancy’s monuments conservation staff performed the work with assistance from contractors., The bronze sculpture by artist Paul Manship (1885-1966) fancifully depicts the interaction of animals and children, a fitting subject for the entrance to the Children’s Zoo. The gates were installed in 1961 for the opening of the zoo and honor Governor and Mrs. Herbert H. Lehman, who donated funds for the zoo’s construction., Manship is well-known for the sculpture Prometheus, located above the ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center. His other works in Central Park include Group of Bears, located near the East 79th Street Playground, and the Osborn Gates at the entrance to Ancient Playground on East 85th Street.