Designated: June 22, 2021
This granite ceremonial gateway was named after Second Lt. Benjamin Ralph Kimlau, a Chinese-American pilot who died in World War II. As part of Kimlau Square, the arch serves as the site of an annual celebration to honor war veterans and remains an important marker at the heart of Chinatown.
The design is a unique blend of traditional Chinese architectural forms with a streamlined mid-century modern aesthetic. It is the work of noted Chinese-American architect Poy Gum Lee, born on Mott Street in 1900.
Historical signage in Chinese was installed at the arch in 2001 by the Parks Department. It was designated as a NYC landmark in 2021, becoming the first that specifically recognizes Chinese-American history and culture.