A Mesmerizing Moving Sculpture Glows in NYC’s Garment District

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 39^th and 40^th Streets. It’s form is shaped by the wind while its color changes from within.

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.

“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.”

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 24^th. Check out more photo in the gallery below!

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