Delacorte

Delacorte is a surname and a toponym associated with several landmarks in Central Park, Manhattan, New York City. The most prominent are the Delacorte Theater and the Delacorte Clock, both named for George T. Delacorte, a philanthropist whose gifts supported cultural projects in the city.

The Delacorte Theater is an open-air venue in Central Park built in 1962 with funds provided by George T. Delacorte. It hosts free summer performances, most notably Shakespeare in the Park, produced by the Public Theater in cooperation with New York City Parks. The theater remains a recognized home for outdoor drama in New York.

The Delacorte Clock was installed in 1965 on the southern edge of Central Park near the Zoo. It is a mechanical sculpture featuring moving animals; it chimes on the hour and draws visitors from around the city and beyond.

Legacy: The Delacorte name is linked to philanthropic gifts that supported parks, culture, and education in New York City. The Delacorte Foundation and related gifts helped fund cultural institutions and public programming, leaving a lasting imprint on the city’s landscape.