Morning View - Bethesda Terrace Arcade

Near the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, we found the restoration of the Bethesda Terrace Arcade Minton Tile ceiling complete, arriving the day after the grand re-opening. The 15,976 encaustic ceramic tiles, weighing a total of 49 tons, had been undergoing an extensive and labor intensive restoration for years. About 25% of the tiles were found unsalvageable, and the Farmboyz were rather disappointed that the new tiles did not precisely match the old colors. Still, the archway was full of delighted fans taking many pictures. Blind item: Yes, the archway would make a lovely place for a wedding. Trivia: The U.S. Capitol floors are paved with Minton Tiles. (Photo: Gothamist.)