Tatzu Nishi
Discovering Columbus
September 20–November 18, 2012
Columbus Circle
intersection of Eighth Avenue, Broadway,
Central Park South (West 59 Street),
and Central Park West, New York City
Hours: 10–9pm daily
Public Art Fund presents Tatzu Nishi: Discovering Columbus, a large-scale temporary installation inviting visitors to experience New York City’s iconic statue of Christopher Columbus as never before. This major new work recontextualizes the historical monument at the center of Columbus Circle, placing it in the middle of a contemporary living room, six stories above the street. The creation of Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi, the work temporarily transforms the traditional monument into a contemporary artwork, reshaping visitors’ perceptions of both. And through large, loft-style windows, the work grants visitors dramatic views of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan that can be seen, for the first time, from Columbus’s perspective. As with all Public Art Fund projects, this commission is presented to the public free of charge; visitors may reserve passes in half hour increments through the Public Art Fund website: www.publicartfund.org.
In conjunction with this exhibition, Public Art Fund is also overseeing the conservation of the Columbus Monument in cooperation with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
Since its unveiling in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas, the monument, designed by Italian sculptor Gaetano Russo, has been one of New York’s most iconic statues. When Discovering Columbus opens on September 20th, visitors will ascend to the room—and the figure of Columbus—by climbing six flights of stairs within the scaffolding for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this New York City monument.
Visitor Information
Free timed passes, in 30 minute intervals, are available through the Public Art Fund website: www.publicartfund.org.
Entry to this exhibition is by timed ticket only, and each visitor must present his or her own pass to enter. Each pass is valid only for the date and time indicated and grants access to the exhibition for up to 30 minutes. The line to enter the exhibition forms within Columbus Circle at the northwest entrance. Part of the exhibition is outdoors, so visitors are asked to dress accordingly.
Pass holders are asked to climb six flights of stairs to a height of 70 feet above street level and to descend by a second set of stairs. Flat, rubber-soled shoes are strongly recommended.
This exhibition is ADA accessible. If a visitor requires the use of a mobility device (e.g. wheelchair, crutches, or a cane) or has a condition that prevents him or her from using the stairs, a hoist is available.
Visitors under 13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Those between the ages of 13 and 18 may visit without an adult, however a parent or guardian must obtain a pass for them. Given the physical demands of visiting the exhibition, it is not recommended for children under the age of 5. Strollers are not permitted.
Visitors are not permitted to touch the Christopher Columbus sculpture.
Free passes: www.publicartfund.org / T 866 607 5461 / Information Desk, The Shops at Columbus Circle 3rd Floor
Sponsors
Lead Sponsors: Time Warner Inc.; Related Companies; Bloomberg
Additional funding is provided by The Bloomingdale’s Fund of the Macy’s Foundation; Charina Endowment Fund; Lauren & Martin Geller; The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation; Kraus Family Foundation; Nancy & Duncan MacMillan; Marc Haas Foundation; David Rockefeller; The Secunda Family Foundation Inc.; Patty & Howard Silverstein; The Silverweed Foundation; Billie Tsien & Tod Williams; Vital Projects Fund, Inc.; Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP; David Wine & Michael P. MacElhenny; The Zegar Family Foundation; and anonymous donors. Supported in part by The ABNY Foundation; Elise & Andrew Brownstein; Mickey Cartin; Joan Ganz Cooney & Peter G. Peterson; Marcia Dunn & Jonathan Sobel Foundation; Wendy Fisher; Linda Lennon & Stuart Baskin; Holly & Jonathan Lipton; The Moore Charitable Foundation; Nancy & Morris W. Offit; Red Crane Foundation; The Rudin Foundation, Inc.; Linda & Andrew Safran; Trump International Hotel and Tower; and Young & Rubicam.
Support for the conservation of the Columbus Monument provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
Construction Partner: Tishman Construction, an AECOM Company
Special thanks to Bloomingdale’s and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams for providing furnishings; Bouchon Bakery and Café for event catering; FLOR, an Interface company, for modular floor covering; Samsung Electronics America for electronics; The Shops at Columbus Circle for hosting our information desk; Tender Creative for design services; Trove for producing custom wall coverings; and Artex Fine Art Services for conservation assistance.
Public Art Fund gratefully acknowledges the partnership of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; First Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris; Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Veronica White; Central Park Conservancy President Douglas Blonsky; Department of Design and Construction Commissioner David J. Burney; and Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin.
Media Contact
Kellie Honeycutt
T 212 223 7810
khoneycutt@publicartfund.org
Information
PublicArtFund.org
T 212 223 7800
DiscoveringColumbus@publicartfund.org
