The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Celebrity Path is a unique feature within the garden that pays tribute to the renowned individuals who have hailed from the borough of Brooklyn. This captivating walkway offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and cultural legacy of Brooklyn through the names of its most celebrated residents.
What is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Celebrity Path?
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Celebrity Path is a meandering walkway located within the lush grounds of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This path is lined with stepping-stones, each inscribed with the name of a famous Brooklynite, honoring their contributions to the arts, sciences, sports, and various other fields. The path winds through a serene landscape of Austrian pines, rhododendrons, and daffodils, providing a peaceful and contemplative setting for visitors to explore the legacies of these remarkable individuals.
Who are the Celebrities Honored on the Path?
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Celebrity Path features a diverse array of notable Brooklynites, representing a wide range of disciplines and eras. Some of the famous names inscribed on the path include:
| Name | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Walt Whitman | Poet |
| Barbra Streisand | Actress, Singer |
| Woody Allen | Filmmaker, Comedian |
| Isaac Asimov | Science Fiction Author |
| Paul Auster | Novelist |
| Lauren Bacall | Actress |
| Jackie Robinson | Baseball Player |
| Norman Mailer | Novelist, Journalist |
| Mel Brooks | Comedian, Filmmaker |
| Arthur Miller | Playwright |
| Spike Lee | Filmmaker |
| Neil Diamond | Singer-Songwriter |
This diverse list of honorees reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Brooklyn, showcasing the borough’s enduring influence on the arts, literature, and popular culture.
How Many Names are Inscribed on the Celebrity Path?
As of July 2024, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Celebrity Path features 151 names, each etched into a colored paver and adorned with a bronze medallion of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The path is a constantly evolving tribute, with new additions made periodically to recognize the ongoing contributions of Brooklynites.
The Design and History of the Celebrity Path
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Celebrity Path was donated to the garden by the Brooklyn Union Gas Company in 1985. The pavers that line the path were designed by Brooklyn artist April Kinser, featuring a stylized leaf outline in bronze and the phrase “The Greatness of Brooklyn Is Its People” alongside the Brooklyn Bridge medallion.
The path leads from a hill south of the Japanese Garden to the Alfred T. White Amphitheater, providing a scenic and contemplative route for visitors to explore the legacy of Brooklyn’s most celebrated residents.
Visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Celebrity Path
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open year-round, and the Celebrity Path is accessible to visitors during regular garden hours. The path is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage of Brooklyn.
Whether you’re a fan of the arts, literature, sports, or simply interested in exploring the history of this vibrant borough, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Celebrity Path is a must-visit destination. As you stroll along the path, you’ll be inspired by the stories and achievements of the remarkable individuals who have called Brooklyn home.