Golden Swan Garden

A quaint garden in the vicinity of Washington Square that the gate appears locked at all times. It contains some green and very dark despite the natural sunlight.

pretty, but nothing special

Nice break from 6^th Avenue hustle.

Is it ever unlocked?

While I cannot claim to have known the tidbit alluded to by megan c., I do agree with Jim U. that it’s a nice way to cut a corner and pass through some greenery, even if it is pretty decrepit and dark midday in the summer. That said, if you can snag one of the 2 benches adjacent to The Cage and spend your lunch there, it’s pretty solid.

Wow! Someone actually reviewed this already. I’m impressed with Megan C.‘s literary reference. I will have to remember that the next time I pass through. For me, this park is just a very convenient short cut from 6^th avenue to west 4^th street where I get to walk diagonally. It used to be a time saver back when I took the subway. Recommend.

The Golden Swan Garden is a sad, scrungy little patch of land with a few trees, a little bit of garbage, and a lot of tall iron fencing. However, it is amazing, because it is the site where the the bar used to stand that was Eugene O’Neill’s inspiration for «The Iceman Cometh.» Even if the garden today is anything but pleasant, it is hard not to feel inspired by a visit here. It helps you think about time, and change, and art, and the crisis of trying to find meaning in the face of ugliness and modernity and urbanization, and.. . yeah. Give it a nod if you find yourself passing by.