What if we told you that within our city lives the beating heart of the art of sculpting? The roots of some of the most recognizable works of art –from the Alice in Wonderland sculpture in Central Park to the Fiorello LaGuardia statue in LaGuardia Place – are actually hidden in plain sight in the Modern Art Foundry, housed inside the former carriage house of the famous Steinway Mansion. Though tours of the facility are normally open for high end art clients, we have coordinated a special behind-the-scenes tour of this fascinating mecca, where artistic visions become realized in metal by a passionate team of craftsmen. The tour will be led by third generation owner, Jeffrey Spring. See more photos below. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

  • The tour will include a bronze metal pouring at 1:00 pm.
  • Learn about the whole process of artistic fabrication—starting from when an artist comes up with a vision to when the final piece of art is realized.
  • You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at artists working on projects inside the foundry.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Modern Art Foundry

DETAILS:

First Tour Date: Friday, February 24th at 12:30 PM
Where to meet: The group meets at the Modern Art Foundry located at 1870 41st St., Long Island City, NY, 11105 (Note: Do not meet at The Foundry at 9th St. also in Long Island City).
What to know: Be mindful of the people working on-site and the surrounding environment (hazardous materials might be nearby). See directions here. Note: There is a 20-minute walk from the subway.
What to wear: Bring closed-toe-shoes as it is a working factory area.

Steinway Mansion Carriagehouse - Now The Modern Art FoundrySteinway Mansion Carriage House in Astoria, Queens, now The Modern Art Foundry

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Artwork by student sculptors await the next step in their journey from concept to finished artwork.

Jeffrey Spring of The Modern Art Foundry explains the processes that go on in the foundry

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Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Modern Art Foundry

Check out all of our Behind the Scenes Tours