One of the most recognizable parts of New York, Columbus Circle sits at the large crossroads at the southwest corner of Central Park, a hub that joins 59th Street (Central Park South), Eighth Avenue (Central Park West), Broadway, and a smattering of other cross streets. Much like Grand Army Plaza at the Fifth Avenue corner of Central Park, Columbus Circle was part of Vaux and Olmsted's original vision for the park.

The Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park features the Merchants' Gate, while the center of the circle itself features the Gaetano Russo sculpture commissioned by the city to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' first voyage to the New World. The marble statue of Christopher Columbus sits atop a brilliant column and pedestal, raising it seventy feet above the hustle and bustle of the busy intersection.