The Marble Arch

The Marble Arch is a triumphal arch designed in 1828 by John Nash. Originally created as the forecourt gateway to Buckingham Palace, it was relocated to its current position as the northeast entrance to Hyde Park in 1851, although it is now isolated from the park on a roundabout. The arch is made of Seravezza marble and was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel by Percier and Fontaine, as well as the Arch of Constantine.

It features three archways flanked by Corinthian columns that rise from plinths. The detailing is crisply carved but somewhat dry, with Victories depicted in all the spandrels and relief panels above the lower side arches. Large inverted volute-consoles rise into a blind attic above the entablature, aligning with the columns. The sculpture on the north side is by Westmacott, while the sculpture facing the park is by Baily. Friezes by these sculptors, which depict martial and naval themes, were originally intended for the attic but were instead used on the facades of Buckingham Palace. An equestrian statue of George IV, which was meant to top the attic, is located in Trafalgar Square. The arch is complemented by heavy and densely patterned cast iron gates, with the central gate crafted by S. Parker.