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The  Fabulous New 64-seat
Pedestrian Plaza on
Fifth Avenue

Wednesday, July6, 2026


TIME OUT NEW YORK


ISSUE # 1712

One of Manhattan’s busiest and most iconic corridors has been redesigned into a fabulous new pedestrian space. The Fifth Avenue Association, in partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation and landscape architecture firm Field Operations, has officially unveiled a vibrant 7,500-square-foot pedestrian plaza at Grand Army Plaza South. Located right near the entrance to Central Park and the historic Plaza Hotel, this completely revitalized space transforms what was once a congested traffic lane into a world-class public sanctuary.

Photograph: Courtesy Fifth Avenue AssociationFifth Avenue pedestrian space© Timeout US

Despite seeing millions of shoppers, tourists and commuters every year, this stretch of Fifth Avenue has historically lacked places for people to actually slow down. The new plaza completely changes the game, offering custom tables, chairs and benches that comfortably seat up to 64 people. Framed by lush, rotating seasonal planters that will bloom year-round, the formerly chaotic zone is now a scenic spot for a rest.

This public-private transformation serves as a stunning preview of the “Future of Fifth” initiative—the first large-scale redesign in the avenue’s 200-year history. This massive upcoming redevelopment plans to permanently transform the corridor from Bryant Park to Central Park by widening sidewalks, adding lush greenery and prioritizing a pedestrian-first experience. It follows the recent reveal of a major renovation of Grand Army Plaza South, including a restoration of the Pulitzer Fountain.

While the Angelina Paris pop-up is a summer treat, the beautiful public seating and vibrant planters are here to stay year-round. So next time you’re hustling down Fifth Avenue, set aside some time to take a break and marvel at the transformation.

Credits

TIME OUT NEW YORK

All image are copyrighted (c) Roosevelt Island Historical Society unless otherwise indicated
THIS PUBLICATION FUNDED BY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER JULIE MENIN & ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION PUBLIC PURPOSE FUNDS.

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