Art, History, and Musical Chairs: A Fun Public Art Walk

Date: Monday, June 8th, 2026.
Time: 1:00 p.m. to about 5:00 p.m.
Optional Musical Chairs Game signup at 5:30 p.m. and game starting at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting location: Bella Abzug Park (by Hudson Yards), the section of the park between W 35th and W 36th Streets, in front of the public restrooms building.
Directions: Take the #7 train to Hudson Yards.
Total distance: about 5 miles with dropout points along the route.
End Point: Bryant Park.
Pace: Moderate with multiple stops; flat city streets.
Bring: Water, sunscreen, hat, snacks.
Restrooms: Bella Abzug Park at the start; Eataly on W 23rd Street; New York Public Library at W 42nd Street.

About the Walk
We’ll begin our walk in Bella Abzug Park, where we’ll explore Photoville Festival installations featuring images that highlight aspects of the Black experience, along with a series of photographs that [literally] reflect New York. From there, we’ll head to the High Line to see the newly installed 27‑foot sandstone Buddha sculpture, created in homage to the Bamiyan Buddhas in central Afghanistan that were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.
Continuing down the High Line, we’ll view three archetypes of Black figures—Seduction, Servility, and Resilience—along with a mural by the same artist titled Backbreaker Double, which honors the energy and legacy of Black showmanship. We’ll also see three sculptures inspired by the seedpods of hardwood trees from the National Museum of Cambodia and from the artist’s garden in Phnom Penh.

We’ll exit the High Line at West 23rd Street and make our way to Madison Square Park to see a giant pottery urn and fire hydrant celebrating Puerto Rican culture and summer in the city. From there, we’ll walk up Park Avenue South to view nine colorful and whimsical painted sculptures before heading to Bryant Park, our final stop. Those who wish can register for a game of musical chairs—or stay to watch the fun.

Highlights

• Photoville Festival Installations — Outdoor photographic exhibitions by Storm Cuff (American) and Stefan Falke (German-American), featuring works that explore aspects of the Black experience and a series of images that literally reflect New York.
• The Light That Shines Through the Universe 27‑Foot Sandstone Buddha — A monumental sculpture by Tuan Andrew Nguyen (Vietnamese-American) created in homage to the Bamiyan Buddhas in central Afghanistan, which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001; the Buddha’s hands are cast from metal remnants salvaged from the Vietnam War, transforming materials of conflict into symbols of peace.
• Seduction, Servility, and Resilience — Three bronze sculptures by Derek Fordjour (American) representing archetypes of Black identity — a boxer, a waiter, and a burlesque dancer.
• Backbreaker Double — A mural by Derek Fordjour (American) celebrating the athleticism, energy, and legacy of Black showmanship.
• Seedpod Sculptures — Three copper and steel sculptures by Sopheap Pich (Cambodian‑American) inspired by seedpods from Cambodian hardwood trees and the artist’s garden in Phnom Penh.
• Giant Pottery Urn and Fire Hydrant — A playful installation by Roberto Lugo (Puerto Rican‑American) celebrating Puerto Rican culture and beloved figures, and summertime in New York City.
• Park Avenue Sculptures — Nine monumental, vibrantly painted sculptures by Dorit Levinstein (American) depicting dancers, stylized flowers, whimsical cactuses, and a three‑dimensional interpretation of a Matisse painting, creating a lively and imaginative visual corridor along Park Avenue South.
• Bryant Park Musical Chairs — A high‑energy public musical chairs competition in Bryant Park, where participants can register on‑site or simply enjoy watching the spirited, good‑natured chaos unfold.

Hike leader: Brigitte, 646-651-3911 (on the day of the walk only).