The Evangeline Blashfield Fountain

The Evangeline Blashfield Fountain, situated at 405 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022, USA, is a charming and historically significant public space that functions as a delightful "scenic spot" within the bustling urban landscape of Midtown East, bordering the Upper East Side. Despite its address primarily associating with the Bridgemarket retail complex (which now houses a Trader Joe's and T.J. Maxx), the fountain itself is a public amenity, offering a tranquil nook for reflection and appreciation of art and history. It's a testament to the city's ability to create unexpected pockets of calm and beauty.

The environment surrounding The Evangeline Blashfield Fountain is a unique blend of historical architecture and modern retail vibrancy. The fountain is prominently located beneath the dramatic arches of the Queensboro Bridge (officially the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge), specifically within the public plaza area of the Bridgemarket building. This setting provides a striking backdrop, with the immense structure of the bridge creating a sense of grandeur and enclosure. Despite being mere steps away from busy city streets and major retail outlets, the area around the fountain manages to offer a secluded and peaceful atmosphere. One customer review aptly describes it as a "cozy little nook" that is "secluded and peaceful," contrasting sharply with "the bustle of city life." The plaza includes a small public area with seating, making it an ideal spot for a quick break or a quiet moment. The presence of nearby trees and plantings further softens the urban edges, contributing to a more natural and inviting feel. The sounds of the city, while present, are often muted by the overhead bridge structure and the relatively contained nature of the plaza, allowing for a sense of calm.

As a public plaza centered around a historic fountain, the "services" provided by The Evangeline Blashfield Fountain are primarily passive and aesthetic, aimed at enhancing the urban experience and offering a place for respite. These include:

• Public Seating: The plaza around the fountain typically includes benches or other forms of seating, allowing visitors to rest, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply observe their surroundings. This fulfills a crucial need for comfortable public spaces in a high-density urban environment.
• Artistic Display: The centerpiece is the fountain itself, featuring a beautiful glass mosaic depicting an allegorical figure of Abundance with a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables. This nine-by-four-foot mosaic, composed of thousands of brilliant colored tesserae, was created by Edwin Howland Blashfield, with the sculpture by Eli Harvey and architecture by Charles W. Stoughton. It is a significant piece of public art that adds cultural and visual richness to the area.
• Historical Significance: The fountain was originally dedicated on May 13, 1919, as a gift from the Municipal Art Society of New York in honor of Evangeline Wilbour Blashfield. She was a pioneering advocate for beautifying public spaces and providing water for vendors and their horses at the former open-air market that once thrived under the Queensboro Bridge. This historical context adds depth to the site, connecting visitors to a bygone era of New York City.
• Access to Nature (Urban Style): While not a sprawling park, the fountain area incorporates some landscaping and the presence of water, offering a small but meaningful connection to natural elements within the urban setting. The sounds of the fountain (when active) can be soothing.
• Accessibility: The plaza is generally accessible to the public, though specific information on ADA compliance for every part of the immediate area would require a direct on-site assessment or detailed accessibility reports. Access is often gained via a gate on 59th Street or from the exit of the T.J. Maxx store, which is part of the larger Bridgemarket complex.

The most striking feature of The Evangeline Blashfield Fountain is its artistic and historical narrative. The mosaic, depicting Abundance, serves as a beautiful and poignant reminder of the site's past as a bustling farmers' market and of Evangeline Blashfield's dedication to public art and civic improvement. The ox head fountain spout, designed to provide water for both humans and horses, further underscores its historical connection to the market. The fountain's restoration, which carefully reassembled thousands of tesserae, is a highlight in itself, showcasing a commitment to preserving New York City's public art. Its location directly beneath the colossal Queensboro Bridge adds a dramatic architectural dimension, creating a fascinating interplay between human artistry and grand engineering. This confluence of art, history, and urban infrastructure makes it a truly unique "scenic spot." The fact that it's "hiding on First Avenue," as described by some, contributes to its charm as a "little-known gem" or "secret" worth discovering.

While The Evangeline Blashfield Fountain is not promoted as a typical commercial attraction, its existence is recognized through various urban art and historical guides, local blogs, and city planning resources that highlight public spaces and landmarks. Information about the fountain's history and restoration can be found on websites of organizations like the Municipal Art Society of New York and the Smithsonian Institution. The presence of the fountain is a public amenity, and its visibility is often enhanced by its location within the commercially active Bridgemarket complex (now home to Trader Joe's and T.J. Maxx), meaning many discover it serendipitously while shopping.

For local users, the fountain offers a genuinely "cozy little nook" to "unwind in Nature" (albeit urban nature), as one review notes. It's a place where one can find "peaceful" respite just "mere steps away from the bustle of city life." The review also mentions it as "quite a safe spot," which is an important consideration for urban public spaces. However, it is essential for users to understand that this is a small, relatively static "scenic spot," primarily for passive enjoyment, contemplation, and appreciation of its artistic and historical significance. It is not a large park for active recreation or extensive strolling. Its value lies in its unique charm, its beauty, and its quiet presence as a piece of New York City's rich past, offering a moment of urban tranquility and cultural engagement.

The Evangeline Blashfield Fountain

405 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022, USA