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The City Parks Department contacted Gothamist to set the facts straight about the disappearance of the Astor Place Cube, the rotating sculpture beloved to New Yorkers. Director of Public Information Warner Johnston told us that the cube was removed last night for repairs: One of the four large bolts that attaches the cube to the base was missing! When people would try to rotate the cube, the cube would tilt, so the Parks Department decided that the 2500 pound cube needed to be repaired for everyone's safety. Good call! The Parks Department is working with the artist, Tony Rosenthal, as well as conservationists who worked on the cube in the 80s, to fix the cube. The Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe issued this statement:
The City has not forgotten The Alamo. With the assistance of the Mayor's Office and the Art Commission, we are working to give it emergency stabilization with funding provided by DOT, the custodian of the artwork. It will be returned to Astor Place better than ever.Additionally, the pivot that allows the cube to be rotated will be repaired, so the cube will turn once again. The Park Department said we should expect the cube to be back in several weeks. Gothamist appreciates the speedy response from the Parks Department. If only the Mayor would reply to our email.
Photo from the Bridge and Tunnel Club
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wow, people at the park's department read gothamist?
they also seem to be a fast acting department, getting in contact so fast.
I know! I also never realized that the Department of Transportation was the custodian of the artwork as well.
A friend of mine actually recently spun the cube. But he really had to push hard--it seemed to be stuck with rust or gunk.
Darn you Gothamist!!
It's 15F outside and you use a picture taken from the summer!
AAARRGGHH!
Glad they're fixing it; when I tried to spin it, I felt it tilt, and I was afraid it was going to fall on me. Although I'm sure the Post would have a funny headline over the picture of my arms sticking out from under the cube.
i think they should get rid of the cube and put in a Starbucks cause you know, there aren't enough in that area
my apartment is only a matter of yards from the cube. it has delighted me for more years than i care to admit. what's funny is that when i moved it it dominated that intersection. it was huge.
now that that tower that looks something like the deathstar has gone up, the cube looks tiny.
Don't be taken in by the official story that they want you to believe. It was abducted by aliens.
Completely, utterly off topic:
Tien, if you think the City Park Dept is fast acting, try taking photos without a permit at a NY State Park - they'll be on you like a dog on ham.
Mystery Solved. It'll be cool being able to move it once again.
Nice Email, I wonder if He'll ever rspond?
I work at the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and am heartened to see a story that reflects positively upon the agency (they are far and few between).
I nearly started crying when i saw it was gone. I have memories of sitting with my son and girl under the cube. Thank god it's coming back. I was ready to write off nyc as the destroyer of everything cool but luckily I can wait on that for the moment
Cube is still gone. Nothing remains where it once stood. I don't think it's coming back.