Emma Stebbins, Bethesda Fountain Sculptor and New Yorker You Should Know

All Of It with Alison Stewart | Oct 21, 2025

Emma Stebbins is the sculptor behind one of New York's most famous landmarks: Bethesda Fountain. The Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington has organized the first museum exhibition dedicated to the work of Stebbins, featuring 14 marble sculptures. Heckscher chief curator Karli Wurzelbacher spent more than five years preparing this presentation, and she tells us more about the life of Stebbins and her reputation during the Gilded Age. "Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History" is on view now through March 2026.

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

Top Stories

Local Races to Watch in NY and NJ

NY unemployment recipients brace for delays during system upgrade

Defending the Midterms from Donald Trump

Advice To Help Navigate Conflict Productively

YOU ARE ONLINE