Olafur Eliasson's The New York City Waterfalls at Four Waterfront Locations

Friday, 27 June 2008 23:42

NEW YORK CITY - A major new work of temporary public art by internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson, The New York City Waterfalls, will be on display in New York City from June 26 to October 13, 2008. Commissioned by the Public Art Fund, the project consists of four monumental, man-made waterfalls installed for three months at four sites along the shores of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Governors Island: one by the Brooklyn anchorage of the Brooklyn Bridge, one between Piers 4 and 5 in Brooklyn, one in Lower Manhattan at Pier 35, and one on the north shore of Governors Island.

The 90 to 120-foot tall installations, which have been designed to protect water quality and aquatic life, will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, and will be lit after sunset, adding a striking element to New York City's iconic skyline. The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) estimates that the Waterfalls, funded with private support raised by the Public Art Fund, will contribute $55 million to the City's economy.

"Public art is a signature of New York City and we are proud to welcome Olafur Eliasson's exciting new project, the Waterfalls," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Not only does public art excite and inspire New Yorkers, it helps draw visitors and adds millions of dollars into our economy. Olafur Eliasson's innovative and monumental project reflects the revitalization of our waterfront throughout the five boroughs, and I thank the Public Art Fund for bringing this unforgettable work to our City while taking steps to protect the environment."

"For 30 years, the Public Art Fund has been bringing artists and New York City together by presenting innovative art projects for all to see," said Freedman. "The New York City Waterfalls takes this tradition to a whole new level and exemplifies the institution's commitment to commissioning artists who stretch the limits of public art and forms it might take." 

Conceived by Eliasson and commissioned by the Public Art Fund, The New York City Waterfalls showcases New York City's natural environment alongside the City's industrial and commercial landscape. Sited in the historic New York Harbor, which has served as the gateway to America for nearly four centuries and a point of origin for the City's growth, the Waterfalls introduce a breathtaking element into the heart of New York's waterfront.

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