Art Is Just a Quick Walk Away: 7 Amazing Public Art Pieces You Must See This Winter in NYC

More often than not, we disregard how fortunate we are to live in a city where art and beauty is always bursting at ever corner.

That's why, this winter, resist the urge to hibernate. We know it's tempting to hole up in your bed or on the couch as the cold descends.

But you live in the most exciting place in the world, New York City, and how dare you not take advantage of the best public art pieces this winter-- for free?

Take a closer look at our city, wander around for a bit, and you’ll see how each road paints a picturesque story.

NYC is a place that fuels constant dynamic creativity so don't miss out this winter with these 7 innovating public art pieces!


1. “Nova,” SOFTLab (November 18th - December 23rd)

kristycnyc My favorite building The #flatironbuilding #flatiron #nova #SOFTlab #NYC #NewYorkCity #manhattan #newyork #Art #instaart #nycart #artnyc #artoftheday #artoninstagram #picoftheday #colorventures #igersnyc #instagramnyc #instanyc #nycprimeshot #artsy #nikonofficials #color #colors #igersart #follow #instagood #instamood #artinstallation #urbanexploration

Flatiron Public Plaza is presenting a new holiday attraction and a beautiful centerpiece for this year’s “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer.”

The “Nova” is a kaleidoscope installation with a crystalline and shelter like structure that is meant to serve as a “North Star” and invite viewers to see iconic sites like the Empire State Building, Flatiron Building, Met Life Clock Tower, and surrounding landmarks.

“Nova” offers a fantastic, stimulating and playful interactive outdoor experience for the holidays with the help of optical materials and bright colorful lights.


2. “Against The Run,” Alicja Kwade (September 10th - February 14th)

silverwise_ This #sculpture #clock is by #alicjaKwade. #publicArtFund #timepiece #time #publicClock #againsttherun #twistedReality at #60thand5th #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #manhattan #bnw #blancoynegro #blackandwhite #noiretblanc #schwarzweiss It displays the correct time while the face rotates. #whimsical

What if something that was so conventional was suddenly misleading? This is the phenomenon that occurs when you encounter, "Against The Run" by Alicja Kwade.

The Polish sculptor and installation artist has unveiled her first solo public art commission piece at the Doris C. Freedman Plaza. The 16-foot-tall clock that takes form of a classic NYC street clock displays the correct time, but in an unconventional manner.

Adapting a 19th century design, Kwade has managed to create a new perspective of time, forcing the face of the clock to rotate backwards, while the second hand appears to stand still.


3. “Panorama,” Various Artists, (through March)

heytiger_ This is #physicalgraffiti it is a sculpture rather than a drawing! #newyorkcity #newyork #nyc #highline #highlinenyc #streetart

Currently installed at the High Line is, “Panorama,” a new group exhibit that explores natural and man-made elements. The 11 international artists that are contributing their sculptural designs have successfully made use of their environment in a way that complements their pieces.

Highlights include artist Gabriel Sierra’s, “Who Would Measure the Space, Who Would,” where Sierra has carefully planted several bright yellow measuring tools in order to measure the growth of several plants along the High Line.

Other interesting works include Damian Ortega's seires, “Physical Graffiti,” which is fabricated with rebar and can be found attached to the railings of the High Line, or Andro Wekua’s piece, “Window,” depicting his childhood memories of a window while also questioning the psychological and imaginative dimension of landscape.


4. “Oracle of the Past, Present and Future,” Jorge Luis Rodriguez (June 6th - May 1st)

ilovenycparks The Oracle of the Past, Present, and Future #JorgeLuisRodriguez #TompkinsSquarePark #ilovenycparks

Do you love astrology? Well, if you do, you might enjoy artist Jorge Luis Rodriguez’s, “Oracle of the Past, Present and Future” at Tompkins Square Park.

The 12-foot-tall structure is inspired by the study and influence of the moon, sun, planets and zodiac constellations. The artist’s intention is to invite pedestrians to absorb, reflect and consider the mysteries of astrology while walking through the sculpture.

"Oracle of the Past, Present and Future" was installed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of, “Growth," his large-scale, permanent work at the East Harlem Art Park located between East 120th Street and Sylvan Place.

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5. “10 Murals 1 Day,” Mike Perry

krisiskris #10murals1day - Fun art, food and activities for the whole family today until 4pm on Dean St and Vanderbilt in #ProspectHeightsBK #ExploreYourHood #LeadingRElocal

Designer and artist-in-chief Mike Perry, along with 10 celebrated local artists, has curated 10 murals across an 820-foot canvas to cover a part of the 22-acre construction site in Pacific Brooklyn (formerly known as Atlantic Yards).

The work, which is displayed on 10x40 canvas, features bold and colorful abstract shapes. Completed in one day on August 15th, “10 Murals 1 Day” is expected to be on view for 3 of the 10 years of the Pacific Park construction.

The murals can be found between Vanderbilt Avenue and Carlton Avenue, so don’t miss your chance in viewing works of art that are transforming this Brooklyn neighborhood into a public oasis.


6. “Above The Line,” Kerry James Marshall (through March)

mocee_squared Above the Line (2015), Kerry James Marshall #highline #kerryjamesmarshall

“Above The Line," by artist Kerry James Marshall, explores the artistic and historical depictions of black identity. This mural is an extension of his cartoon strip, “Rhythm Mastr,” a narrative that addresses the lack of black superheroes found in American comics.

Through such works, Marshall expresses his desire and intention to “reclaim the image of blackness as an emblem of power.”

The large-scale, black and white hand-painted mural made specifically for the High Line is entitled, “Above the Line.”


7. “Boogie Down Booth,” Chat Travieso (June 25th - June 24th)

bronxtours The finished product... Photo credit & design: @chattravieso The NEW #BoogieDownBooth with solar-powered LED lights #PublicArt #WHEDco #TheBronx #TheBoogieDownBronx #BMHC #UnderTheElevated #thisisbronxmusic #nyc #tourism #travelling #nyctrip #newyorkcity #communitytourism #iloveny #usa #travel #tourist #manhattan #nycgo #w2ny #thebronx #seeyourcity #bronx #welcometonewyork #nyctravel #ilovethebronx #bronxmusic


It may be cold, but New Yorkers are always down for a good time, especially those from the Boogie Down Bronx!

With solar-powered LED lights and linear design by Chat Travieso, “Boogie Down Booth” is a colorful public installation that features community art and music by local artists.

The playlist, curated by the Bronx Music Heritage Center, covers a mixture of genres including salsa, jazz, hip hop, Garifuna, Afro–Caribbean, and blues.

Other cool interactive elements are included, such as the community bulletin board to learn about local events, and a wall mural painted by middle and high school students from East Bronx Academy for the Future.

Check out 8 More Art Exhibitions to Check Out This Winter in NYC. 

[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram] 

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