Before Washington Square Park became an identifying landmark for 20th century moviemakers, its budding fame began in 1880 with the publication of the Henry James novel Washington Square. And even before it officially became a park in 1827, it held roles as a marsh, a cemetery and a parade ground. Impressing these notable stamps on New York City history, the park was fittingly named after George Washington who was inaugurated as President of the United States right here in the Big Apple.

Completely revamped in years since, century-old monuments have shifted locations around the park’s nearly ten acres and have received restorative touch-ups. One of the most recognized of these tributes is the marble arch aligned with Fifth Ave. on the north end of the park. Honoring the centennial of Washington’s inauguration, it was fashioned as a scaled down version of The City of Lights’ Arc de Triomphe, and is the park’s claim to fame when it comes to the big screen. An equally familiar circular fountain acts as a centerpiece for the surrounding paths, benches and grassy patches where sunbathers and readers alike are known to lounge. Closed to car traffic since 1964, at the push of area residents, the park attracts an eclectic mix of pedestrian characters including chess players, artists, musicians and street performers. More public square than lush green park, Washington Square is mostly surrounded by New York University-owned buildings explaining the park’s reputation as a storied gathering place for students and radicals (even NYU’s graduation ceremony takes place here every May). Various New York City events grace the grounds but it’s the specific playgrounds, for high-energy dogs and children to run around in that tend to draw a large crowd. The surrounding charm of the brick-lined Greenwich Village residential neighborhood, along with its numerous and inviting New York restaurants and clubs, are an ode to the park’s evolving popularity. For anyone sightseeing in New York City, the revolving cast of characters found here are a quality source of free entertainment.