Astor Place Cube Undergoing Restoration for Summer Return
The iconic Astor Place Cube sculpture, also known as the Alamo, is undergoing restoration work to bring back its popular spin feature for the summer.
The iconic Astor Place Cube sculpture, also known as the Alamo, is undergoing restoration work to ensure its preservation and bring back its popular spin feature for the summer. The City of New York, in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and the Estate of Tony Rosenthal, is taking this step to ensure that the art piece remains a beloved symbol of Greenwich Village’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Originally installed 56 years ago as a temporary art piece, the Alamo has become an integral part of the Village landscape. Its unique design and ability to spin have made it a popular attraction for visitors and residents alike.
In late 2021, the Village Alliance raised concerns regarding the stability of the Alamo sculpture and its ability to spin. To ensure the safety of the public and the artwork, the NYC Department of Transportation constructed a cradle for the structure that allowed the artwork to remain on the public plaza but prevented the piece from spinning while a long-term solution was devised. The City of New York, in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and the Estate of Tony Rosenthal, is carrying out a restoration project to restore the sculpture in full. The restoration work is expected to take only four months, with the Alamo set to return to its spot in Greenwich Village in July 2023.
The restoration of the Alamo is a positive step towards ensuring that this iconic artwork remains a symbol of the Village’s artistic and cultural heritage. The return of the sculpture’s popular spin feature will once again allow visitors and residents to experience the full beauty and functionality of this artwork. The NYC DOT’s efforts to support the restoration demonstrate the City’s commitment to preserving public art for future generations to enjoy.
“The world keeps spinning – and so will the Alamo Cube!” said Scott Hobbs, Executive Director of the Village Alliance Business Improvement District. “We are incredibly grateful to the Estate of Tony Rosenthal for working alongside Mayor Adams’ administration and the New York City Department of Transportation to ensure that the restoration stays true to the artist’s original vision. We are thrilled that the City is restoring one of New York City’s most recognizable and beloved public art sculptures. The Alamo Cube has been an iconic landmark in the Village for decades, and the Village Alliance can’t wait for it spin again.”
