There can be comfort in unrealized and unattainable dreams. A basket of these can provide a hidden agenda, and false hopes of realization can give one’s life purpose. These aspirations can be wielded in conversation: “One day I hope to…” And, perhaps, one is better without the realization, because not only is the dream lost, but also, with the accumulated expectations over time, the reality could be a disappointment.

And so it has been for me with my love affair with Washington Square Arch, a monument which I have looked at nearly every day of my adult life and dreamed to enter and ascend to its roof. As a boy, I had the same passion for reaching the summit of the Washington Monument, which was an easily attainable goal: pay the admission fee and take the elevator.

The Washington Square Arch stairway is rarely open to the public. Until recently. Late one night, I was informed by a park habitué that the small door at the foot of the west end of the base of the arch was open – or, in fairness, I should say ajar. My first reaction was indignation – how dare I not be told about this opportunity! After waiting for decades, wasn’t I the most worthy?
It soon occurred to me, however, that rather than spend time being self-righteous, perhaps I should consider taking advantage of this rare opportunity and actually entering the Arch. After all, goals are attained by those who act, not whiners.

There was no sign of prohibition at the door. Many an opportunity is missed by overthinking, overplanning, and excessive worry, so with little fanfare or deliberation, I entered.

An extremely narrow spiral staircase winds its way to the top. Fortunately, it was left lit, so my journey was easy enough. At the top, there is a large, cavernous chamber. A staircase ascends further to a skylight trap door, leading to the roof of the arch (photo lower left). It appeared to be easily opened, but I decided not to press my luck. I took several photos through the transparent domed roof hatch (photo lower right).

There is not a tremendous amount of information about this interior Guastavino terra cotta tile staircase and upper chamber. Typically, the story of Marcel Duchamp and his cronies is told – see my story here. I have done nearly ten stories involving the arch (see the list of links below).

What do you do when a small lifetime dream is realized? Just refine and redefine. After all, what I really wanted to do was to exit that domed hatch and go the roof. I am told that such a thing can be arranged if one speaks to the right people. When I do that, you will be the first to know 🙂

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