Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch Brooklyn
A majestic 80-foot granite triumphal arch in Brooklyn, honoring Civil War heroes with intricate sculptures and a symbol of victory.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch Brooklyn
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic 80-foot granite triumphal arch in Brooklyn, honoring Civil War heroes with intricate sculptures and a symbol of victory.
"A beautiful memorial in front of Prospect Park, one of the must-visit icons of Brooklyn."
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The arch is a fantastic photo op! Try different angles, especially from across Grand Army Plaza.
🚶♀️ Explore Grand Army Plaza
The arch is the centerpiece of Grand Army Plaza, which also features the Brooklyn Public Library and the entrance to Prospect Park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Triumphal Arch
Grand Army Plaza
An 80-foot granite monument honoring Civil War defenders, adorned with detailed sculptures and a chariot emblem.
Intricate Sculptural Details
Arch piers and facade
Discover detailed carvings and reliefs that tell stories of valor and sacrifice, a true testament to the era's artistry.
Quadriga of Victory
Top of the Arch
Marvel at the majestic quadriga, a symbol of triumph, crowning the arch and offering a sense of grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding the Arch's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The arch is a fantastic photo op! Try different angles, especially from across Grand Army Plaza. 
🚶♀️ Explore Grand Army Plaza
The arch is the centerpiece of Grand Army Plaza, which also features the Brooklyn Public Library and the entrance to Prospect Park.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Notice the detailed sculptures and the quadriga at the top. It's often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
🏃♀️ Great Starting Point
Many runners use the arch as a starting point for their workouts in Prospect Park.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The arch is a fantastic photo op! Try different angles, especially from across Grand Army Plaza.
🚶♀️ Explore Grand Army Plaza
The arch is the centerpiece of Grand Army Plaza, which also features the Brooklyn Public Library and the entrance to Prospect Park.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Notice the detailed sculptures and the quadriga at the top. It's often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
🏃♀️ Great Starting Point
Many runners use the arch as a starting point for their workouts in Prospect Park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch as a beautiful and iconic Brooklyn landmark, often compared to the Arc de Triomphe. Its historical significance as a Civil War memorial and its impressive architecture are frequently highlighted. While some note its role in historical propaganda, most appreciate its aesthetic appeal and its prominent location at the entrance to Prospect Park.
"Fulfills the first role of any triumphal arch, which is to propagandize the populace. Constructed to honor those who saved the union, even though the union never needed saving. In terms of sculpture, the underarch is patterned with rosicruciates, and the sides with blazons."
Daniel Donnelly
"Beautiful memorial in front of prospect park"
Avapte Apte
"One of the must visit iconic of Brooklyn,it's located at the spacious intersection of Flatbush & union .the soldiers & sailors memorials was kinda building in memory of civil war.the arch facing the entrance of the prospect park and the Brooklyn central library .the respectful atmosphere keep this place outstanding in the neighborhood to defender of the Union 1861-1865 at the end of the walk terrace display the 15th president bust John F. Kennedy .great place"
tony sudsangiam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is located at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. You can reach it via several subway lines, including the 2, 3, B, and Q trains, which stop at Grand Army Plaza station.
Street parking can be challenging in this busy area. It's often easier to use public transportation or ride-sharing services.
Absolutely! The Arch is the grand entrance to Prospect Park, so it's a natural starting or ending point for your park visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is an outdoor monument and is free to view from Grand Army Plaza.
As an outdoor monument, the Arch is accessible at all times. However, the surrounding plaza and Prospect Park have their own hours.
While the exterior is the main attraction, the piers of the arch historically contained rooms intended for trophies. Access inside is generally not permitted for the public.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for ideal photography conditions.
Try capturing the Arch with the Brooklyn Public Library or Prospect Park in the background for iconic shots.
Drone usage is restricted in many public spaces in New York City, including parks and near monuments. It's best to check current FAA and NYC Parks regulations.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Arch was dedicated in 1892 to honor the Union soldiers and sailors who fought in the American Civil War, serving as a powerful memorial to their service.
The Arch is a monumental structure with classical influences, featuring detailed sculptures and a grand scale, often compared to Parisian triumphal arches.
The Arch is situated in Grand Army Plaza, a major public space that also includes the Brooklyn Public Library and serves as the main entrance to Prospect Park.
Yes, Grand Army Plaza and the adjacent Prospect Park are popular spots for running, walking, and cycling.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider making a visit to the Arch part of a larger outing to Prospect Park or the Brooklyn Public Library, which are right next door. This makes for a well-rounded family day with historical context, outdoor fun, and educational opportunities. Pack some snacks and enjoy the open plaza space.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Many local running groups use this area as a meeting spot. The accessibility via public transport also makes it a convenient location for those coming from different parts of the city to begin their training routes within the park's extensive network of paths.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Monument to Union Valor
+2Comparisons to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris are frequent, highlighting its status as a monumental triumphal arch. The design, by architects John H. Duncan and Richard Morris Hunt, incorporates classical elements with a distinctly American commemorative purpose. The quadriga, a chariot pulled by four horses, crowns the arch, symbolizing victory and triumph.
+1Beyond its historical significance, the Arch is a beloved feature of Brooklyn's landscape. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, often serving as a meeting point or a starting point for exploring the adjacent Prospect Park. The surrounding Grand Army Plaza, with the Brooklyn Public Library, creates a civic heart for the borough.
+1Architectural Grandeur and Symbolism
The crowning feature is the magnificent quadriga, a dynamic sculpture that adds a sense of movement and triumph to the static structure. This emblem of victory is a common motif in triumphal arches worldwide, but here it specifically celebrates the Union's success in the Civil War. The sheer artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating these elements are a significant part of the arch's appeal.
While the exterior is the primary focus, the arch's piers were designed with internal spaces, intended to house trophies of war. Though these rooms are not typically accessible to the public, their inclusion in the original design speaks to the comprehensive vision for the monument. The arch's enduring presence continues to captivate visitors with its blend of historical commemoration and architectural splendor.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit