A giant, glowing, kinetic sculpture called Living Lantern will offer busy New Yorkers a moment of zen this winter season. The ever-changing sculpture is located on the Broadway plazas in the Garment District between 39th and 40th Streets. It’s form is shaped by the wind while its color changes from within.

Living Lantern art installation in the Garment District
Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

Living Lantern went on a world tour before landing in New York City. The piece debuted the World Science Festival in Brisbane, Australia, then spent some time in Taiwan and Greece. Standing nearly 14 feet tall and stretching 20 feet wide, Living Lantern is covered in thin wooden petals that gracefully move up and down in response to the wind. The shape-shifting nature of the sculpture “illustrates the responsiveness of humankind and how people can adapt to change.” While the wind adds movement and life to the piece, inner color-changing LEDS give the piece an ethereal glow once the sun sets.

A close up of the fan like arms of the Living Lantern art installation in the Garment District
Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

“Living Lantern is an entrancing work of art that is bringing a sense of tranquility to the Garment District and truly enhancing the pedestrian experience,” said Barbara A. Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance. “We are so proud to introduce this extraordinary piece of public art to our neighborhood this winter, and we encourage the public to take a moment to enjoy this calming sensory experience while visiting the Garment District.”

Living Lantern art installation in the Garment District
Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

This public installation was created by NEON, a UK-based artistic practice that “explores the territory between art, architecture, and design,” and Frankie Boyle Studio. It is powered by WIREFRAME. Living Lantern is free and will be available to the public through February 24th. Check out more photo in the gallery below!

  • Looking up at the Living Lantern art installation in the Garment District
  • Living Lantern art installation in the Garment District
  • Inside the Living Lantern art installation in the Garment District
  • A person takes a photo of the Living Lantern art installation in the Garment District
  • Living Lantern art installation in the Garment District

Next, check out 6 Best Public Art Installations to Check Out in January 2023