“The Gates,” the public art installation that took over Central Park with saffron-colored fabric panels for 16 days in 2005, is returning to New York City—virtually. To celebrate the installation’s 20th anniversary, New Yorkers can relive the monumental artwork from Christo and Jeanne-Claude through an augmented reality experience on the Bloomberg Connects app. Plus, an exhibition now open at The Shed in Hudson Yards titled “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City,” explores the legacy of the artists and their work, as well as the journey behind bringing “The Gates” to life.

Artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude first proposed the installation in 1980, when Central Park was in a fragile state. There was concern the park’s deteriorating conditions could undermine the artwork’s purpose: to celebrate both the park and New York City.

*Photo: Wolfgang Volz © 2005 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation*

After a successful revitalization of the park by the Central Park Conservancy, the project received newfound interest from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and was approved in 2003.

The immersive installation featured 7,503 saffron-hued gates that weaved their way along 23 miles of pathways in the park. The gates measured 16 feet tall and varied in width depending on the park’s walkways.

Vertical poles were secured by narrow steel base footings weighing 613 to 837 pounds each and fastened atop the paved surface. The project was completely financed by the artists themselves, and free to the public, according to TimeOut.

Bringing a burst of color to New York City’s bleak winter, the installation attracted four million visitors and generated an estimated $254 million in economic impact during its two-week display.

Using the Bloomberg Connects app, viewers can experience a portion of the installation between East 72nd Street and Cherry Hill. The experience is available through March 23.

The immersive AR experience showcases the installation in stunning detail, with each gate swaying as though caught in the breeze. The app also adapts to the weather, with the scene mirroring an overcast sky on cloudy days, while sunny days feature a brighter display.

The Shed in Hudson Yards is hosting a two-part exhibition that delves into the making of “The Gates.” The first section focuses on the iconic installation, featuring original artworks by Christo, including drawings, scale models, and actual components from the project.

Visitors can also explore a virtual, animated model displayed on a large-scale map of Central Park, following the 25-year journey from conceptualization to completion.

*A map of the AR experience. © 2025 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation*

The second part highlights a selection of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s unrealized proposals for New York City. Though never brought to life, these projects showcase the duo’s ambitious vision and deep connection to the five boroughs, where they lived from 1964 until their passing.

For the first time in the United States, these works will be presented using scale models and digital reproductions of Christo’s drawings, offering a close look into the creative process behind the project.

Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-wish basis, with a suggested price of $10.

Relive monumental public art installation ‘The Gates’ in Central Park, 20 years later

By Aaron Ginsburg

February 13, 2025

Relive The Famous Public Art installation ‘The Gates’ in Central Park - 20 Years Later

Relive monumental public art installation ‘The Gates’ in Central Park, 20 years later

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