8. Bronze Union Rat in Midtown
The large, inflatable gray rats are well known symbols of union workers’ protest against exploitation, and pop up every now and then in New York City. But we think it’s quite surprising that a huge bronze version of the union rat is located in front of the Lever House on Park Avenue, in one of Manhattan’s most affluent areas. The sculpture is called “The New Colossus” and is part of the Bruce High Quality Foundation’s Art History with Labor project. This is the only sculpture on our list that isn’t a permanent fixture, so go check it out before it disappears on September 28!
