Photos: Rockefeller Center’s Famous Statues Get Masked

Coinciding with the city’s reopening in phase two, Rockefeller Center‘s famed statues are dressed with masks as a reminder to New Yorkers to stay safe and protect others. Statues like the iconic “Atlas” holding a globe, the “Mankind Figures” (Maiden and Youth), and the golden “Prometheus” above the ice skating rink are all wearing masks. The statues are found on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets, easily visible by thousands of workers returning to their offices this week.

Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

The gesture is presented by real estate investment firm Tishman Speyer as part of an Association for a Better New York (ABNY) initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of New York City’s people, businesses and communities. The creative design acts as a reminder to New Yorkers to wear their masks and observe social distancing as the city opens up further.

Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

Rockefeller Center has been the site of several initiatives since the pandemic began, including the installation of a giant “New York Tough” logo on the ice rink in April and with 30 Rock getting lit up in blue for essential workers. Starting tomorrow, a 100 rainbow flags will line the ice rink in celebration of Pride month. An on-going competition at Rockefeller Center invites anybody to design a flag to be flown this fall at one of the 192 flagpoles surrounding the rink — the flag designs should celebrate New York City’s “diverse culture, vibrant energy, strength, and resiliency.”

Next, check out 10 NYC Hiking Trails to Try This Summer While Social Distancing!