Art and architecture are inextricably linked to New York City commercial real estate. The city houses some of the most exquisite architectural landmarks in the world. Manhattan is home to instantly recognizable works, like the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and the Woolworth Building. Strolling across the borough, you can find numerous architectural works from different eras. So, whether you’re a fan of the Chicago Style, have a fondness for Art Deco buildings, or prefer modern architecture like the Oculus, you’ll find something to your liking here.
One can also enjoy various unique pieces of art inside these stunning commercial buildings. From ornate marble lobbies to futuristic art installations, Manhattan office buildings have a lot to offer to art-lovers. So, if you’re on the lookout for new office space in Manhattan and you appreciate fine art, we have some suggestions. Check out these NYC office buildings with unique and inspiring artwork and make sure to tour them.
1. One World Trade Center
When the One World Trade Center opened in 2014, it welcomed guests with the largest mural of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. José Parlá, a Brooklyn-based artist and painter, created the artwork. His previous work includes murals for the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Barclays Center. The 90-foot-tall mural, dubbed ONE: Union of the Senses, symbolizes diversity. The artist worked on the piece for eight months in his studio and spent another two weeks installing the artwork in the lobby of One WTC.
2. 4 World Trade Center
One of the most exciting pieces of artwork in NYC sits in the lobby window of 4 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The artist known as WhIsBe brought the giant red gummy bear, called Vandal Gummy, to the building in 2017. The seven-foot sculpture greets Time Magazine and Conde Nast employees every morning, and it has also become a popular tourist spot. People flock daily to take pictures with the gummy bear, which holds a Department of Corrections placard in its paws.
3. 7 World Trade Center
In 2002, Silverstein Properties tapped artist Jenny Holzer to create art for the lobby of the new 7 World Trade Center. Holzer decided upon a 65-foot-wide, 14-foot-high screen wall that features scrolling poems, quotes, and text about NYC. The work, dubbed Lobby Art, can be seen from a distance, even though it’s nestled in the lobby of the World Trade Center tower. Holzer created the piece after numerous visits to 7 WTC, where she walked around to ‘feel the space.’ Talking about the projections, Holzer told art21 that she wants her work to be atmospheric: “I want color to suffuse the space and pulse and do all kinds of tricks.”
4. 787 Seventh Avenue
Roy Lichtenstein is one of the most beloved American artists of the 1960s. One can admire his works in several of Manhattan’s office buildings. The atrium of 787 Seventh Avenue houses a 68-high mural painting by Lichtenstein. Mural With Blue Brushstroke is one of the country’s largest public works of art, and the artist painted it on-site between December 1985 and January 1986. According to The New York Times, the mural “tackles comic strips and the history of modern art” and consists of a collage of works from leading artists, as well as Lichtenstein’s own work.
5. 51 Astor Place
The lobby of 51 Astor Place in the East Village houses one of the city’s most unique pieces of art. Of course, we’re talking about Jeff Koons’ Balloon Rabbit (Red), part of the Edward J. Minskoff Collection. The 14-foot-tall rabbit was installed in 2014, and it’s now one of the most recognizable works of art in NYC. Inspired by a twisted rubber balloon rabbit, the artist constructed the piece using mirror-polished stainless steel with transparent color coating. It’s not one of a kind, as Koons also created rabbit sculptures in other colors. These include orange, blue, magenta, violet, and yellow.
Are you thinking of setting up your business in a convenient location in Manhattan? Are you looking to lease space in a modern building offering state-of-the-art amenities? To learn about available office space, call Metro Manhattan Office Space at (212) 444-2241 or email us at [email protected].
