Astor Court stands as one of the few intact ensembles in New York City realized according to City Beautiful ideals. It was designated a New York City Landmark in 2000. Zoo Center, once known as the Elephant House, is the Court's terminus.

Originally known as Baird Court, the architects Heins and LaFarge designed it in consultation with early WCS officials. Its Beaux Arts style—marked by heavily ornamented buildings that reflected the animal inhabitants within—was influenced by the Court of Honor at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. While WCS’s leaders wanted the court’s refined style to reflect the society’s commitment to learning and culture, they were also dedicated to maintaining the natural landscape throughout the rest of the park. This distinct balance between built and natural environments is still evident at the Bronx Zoo today.