26 June - 13 October 2008
New York City Waterfalls is an art installation by artist Olafur Eliasson, in collaboration with the Public Art Fund, consisting of four man-made waterfalls placed around New York City. At $15.5 million, it is the most expensive public arts project since Christo and Jeanne-Claude's installation of the Gates in Central Park.
Location and construction
The sites chosen for the four waterfalls were Pier 35 in Manhattan, under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO, Brooklyn, between piers 4 and 5 - also in Brooklyn - and Governors Island.
Work on erecting the four support scaffolds began in mid-March, 2008. On the shore of Governors Island construction teams used pile driving secure the scaffolding in place. This method would not be used at the other sites for various reasons, including the vibrations that would be caused in car and subway tunnels. Once completed, the scaffolding would total 64,000 square feet and weigh 270 tons. Eliasson has said that the scaffolds themselves were designed to blend in with their urban surroundings, but that he purposely did not try to conceal them, explaining he "want[s] people to know that this is both a natural phenomenon and a cultural one."
Construction involved the work of 108 different people, including two environmental consultants. The installation was designed to be ecologically-friendly, an example of this are the filters used to keep aquatic life from taking a ride up-and-over the waterfall. And when the project has closed the materials will be made available for re-use in a future project.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, stretches 5,989 feet (1825 m) over the East River connecting the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. On completion, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world and the first steel-wire suspension bridge. Since its opening, it has become an iconic part of the New York Skyline.
Hours
7 AM - 10 PM, except Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 AM - 10 PM
The New York City Waterfalls will be lit after sunset
The ethereal Tribute in Light memorial was designed to help lessen the aching loss felt across the country since 9/11. It is a profound symbol of strength, hope and resiliency.
The New Yankee Stadium
New Yankee Stadium is the working title for a new stadium for the New York Yankees, currently under construction. It will open in 2009, replacing the third-oldest stadium in the Major Leagues.
The Bronx
In popular culture 'The Bronx' has often symbolized violence, decay, and urban ruin. In fact, there are guidebooks that say you must never go to the Bronx! Sheer ignorance, that is all we have to say! Interactive Bronx map
Work on erecting the four support scaffolds began in mid-March, 2008. On the shore of Governors Island construction teams used pile driving secure the scaffolding in place. This method would not be used at the other sites for various reasons, including the vibrations that would be caused in car and subway tunnels. Once completed, the scaffolding would total 64,000 square feet and weigh 270 tons. Eliasson has said that the scaffolds themselves were designed to blend in with their urban surroundings, but that he purposely did not try to conceal them, explaining he "want[s] people to know that this is both a natural phenomenon and a cultural one."
Construction involved the work of 108 different people, including two environmental consultants. The installation was designed to be ecologically-friendly, an example of this are the filters used to keep aquatic life from taking a ride up-and-over the waterfall. And when the project has closed the materials will be made available for re-use in a future project.
Interactive Bronx map
