NYC Parks and the Union Square Partnership, in partnership with Marlborough Gallery, welcomes Dale Chihuly’s eye-catching Rose Crystal Tower to Union Square Park East. As part of part of the 50th anniversary of Parks’ public art program Art in the Parks, the installation will be on view from October 2017 to October 2018.

NYC Parks Manhattan Borough Commissioner William Castro joined Executive Director of the Union Square Partnership Jennifer Falk, artist Dale Chihuly and Chihuly Studio CEO Leslie Jackson Chihuly with representatives from the Marlborough Gallery and community members for the official opening ceremony of the sculpture.

It stands 31-feet tall and is composed of Polyvitro crystals and steel. Polyvitro is the artist’s term for a plastic material which he casts into individual chunks resembling glass and is lighter and more resilient for public and outdoor settings. Chihuly has previously used Polyvitro crystals in his landmark exhibition, Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem 2000.

American artists Dale Chihuly is known for revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement, elevating the perception of the glass medium from the realm of craft to fine art. Over his 50-year career, Chihuly has become known for his iconic glass sculptures and ambitious architectural installations in historic cities, museums and gardens around the world.

Follow along with Parks on Periscope and Facebook Live to watch the live broadcast of the Chihuly opening.

Be sure to check out 17 Art Installations and Exhibits in NYC Not to Miss in October.