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The New York City Waterfalls
On June 26th, New York will be surrounded by massive towers of water. Sound like the fulfillment of some horrific biblical prophecy? It's actually the product of a unique collaboration between the city of New York and artist Olafur Eliasson, called The New York City Waterfalls.Following in the footsteps of other massive outdoor art projects like The Gates, artist Eliasson is installing four enormous man-made waterfalls along the shores of the New York waterfront. The giant scaffolding structures supporting the falls are well underway at locations scattered around Lower Manhattan including Brooklyn Heights, Governor's Island and best of all - underneath the Brooklyn Bridge.
Between June 26 and October 13, these soaring torrents of water will run seven days a week, redefining the landscape of downtown New York. Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, who is responsible for the project, has a history of large scale public works of art, including a recreation of the sun inside London's Tate Modern gallery.
If you'll be visiting New York this summer, make sure to take a stroll down to the water in downtown Manhattan or Brooklyn to check them out. They'll be illuminated each evening for further dramatic effect. For an even closer view, the city will even be offering free 30 minute boat tours sponsored by Circle Line.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, News










Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Amanda Jun 13th 2008 1:05PM
How is the water for these installations being supplied? Is it being pumped from the bodies of water near the installations?
Basically -- environmental impact anyone?
Jeremy Jun 13th 2008 1:10PM
That's a good question Amanda. According to what I've read, the water is being pumped directly out of the East River below. They've installed special screens around the pump intakes to prevent fish or other debris from getting in there. To offset the power that will be used for the pumps, I've been told the city has purchased carbon credits. Not a perfect solution, but at least the impact has been considered, yes.
dan Jul 5th 2008 11:47AM
I photographed the falls for Destination360 and i can say i was underimpressed by them in person. They are much better on film. I guess the city will get some tourist dollars so thats a good thing.
Here's the image I shot for Destination360:
http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/new-york/new-york-city-waterfalls.php