You’d need a lot of mustard to cover this record-breaking hot dog! At 65 feet long, Times Square’s latest major public art installation, Hot Dog in the City, tops the record for the World’s Largest Hot Dog Sculpture. Artist duo Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw created the playful sculpture which now stands at Broadway and 46th Street. Though this giant piece of street food might seem gimmicky, there is more than meets the eye—it’s equipped with hydraulics, a confetti canon, and a deeper message.
Now a cliché part of American culture found at 4th of July parties and baseball games across the nation, hot dogs were first introduced to the United States by Central European immigrants in the 1800s. The humble hot dog has been a staple of the New York City street food scene ever since, now as pervasive as bagels, Greek coffee cups, and pizza.
Hydraulics will periodically turn the hot dog sculpture upright toward the sky. Once in position, confetti will burst from the top of it, mimicking celebrations such as Times Square’s famous New Year’s Eve festivities, quaint hometown parades, political rallies, and gender reveal parties.
In their artistic practice, Catron and Outlaw often use food in campy and humorous ways to bring larger issues to the table. By centering a good ole all-American food like the hot dog at the center of Manhattan, they are also calling attention to broader topics facing the city and the nation like the politics of street vending, immigration, consumption, capitalism, and class. The sculpture might also stir up questions about American hyper-masculinity and showmanship, as well as the underbelly of the meat industry. A panel of comedians, activists, and food historians will dive into these topics at the To Be Frank: Hot Dog Summit at Times Square’s Town Hall on June 9th.
More public events including condiment debates, a hot dog eating contest, and a “hottest dog” dachshund beauty pageant will activate the installation. Those events are free and open to the public. Hot Dog in the City will be on view through June 13th.
Next, check out Secrets of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs on Coney Island
