Discovering Columbus in New York City

This is how most New Yorkers see Columbus Circle in Manhattan.  It is a small park/traffic circle located at the intersection of Eighth Avenue, Broadway, Central Park South (West 59th Street), and Central Park West, at the southwest corner of Central Park. It is the point from which all official distances from New York City are measured, and one of the busiest intersections in New York City.  I took this photo and the next photo last year, looking through a mosaic paned window from the second floor of the Time Warner Center, located at 10 Columbus Circle.

A 13-foot tall statue of Christopher Columbus has stood 75 feet on top of the Columbus Monument in the center of Columbus Circle since 1892. It was placed there to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. Sculpted by Gaetano Russo, the marble statue stands on top of a granite column featuring bronze ships' prows that represent his famous voyage with the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria.

Recently, this is how many fortunate New Yorkers, and tourists, were able to view this same statue of Christopher Columbus.

No, he wasn't removed from his pedestal and brought inside a museum or an exhibit hall.

In fact, an exhibit room was built around the statue! 

This is a photo taken from the same location in the Time Warner Center window of the scaffolding, 6 story staircase and room built as part the Discovering Columbus exhibit.  It was conceived by the Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi and backed by the Public Art Fund.

The exhibit is an 800-square-foot replica of a contemporary living room that is suspended 70 feet in the air, supported by scaffolding. To enter the room, a visitor first has to climb six flights of stairs. There is also a hoist lift for use by disabled visitors.

The Statue of Columbus stands like a decorative item on a central coffee table in the room and is surrounded by several comfy chairs and sofas, and a bookcase and flat screen television.

Visitors are free to lounge on the furniture and get a good look at the monument.

It was quite an unusual experience!

The pink and gold wallpaper covering the walls in the room was designed by the artist and features iconic American pop culture figures, such as Mickey Mouse, Elvis, Michael Jackson, McDonald's and Coca Cola.

There were also beautiful views of New York City from the windows in the room where Columbus stood. Looking north, you can see a portion of the Trump International Hotel and Tower located between Broadway and Central Park West

From other windows, you can see 8th Avenue and Central Park South.

It was an amazing feeling to be able to gaze into the eyes of a statue that for 120 years could only be viewed from the ground, far below. This art exhibit by Nishi, his first in the United States, accomplished its purpose of altering this statue's perspective and allowing the public to have intimate access to a work of art that is often overlooked.

The free exhibit has been so popular, it has been extended till December 2, 2012.  A timed reservation pass has to be obtained on the Public Art Fund web site in order to be admitted. If you are in NYC and have the time, hurry over to have this amazing encounter before it's too late!