You can consider yourself an OG New Yorker if you remember Christo’s orange gates, which took over Central Park. Well, twenty years later, he’s making his mark again.
In 2005, 23 miles of vivid orange fabric billowed through the paths of Central Park. The art installation, while only lasting for two weeks, took decades of cycling through proposals, presentations, and rejections. But all it took was one ‘yes’ for artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude to build their legacy; they must have done something right, because twenty years later, the couple’s creations are still being celebrated.
Who is Christo?
Christo was the name the husband-and-wife duo went by during the earlier stages of their careers to simplify business handling. The couple thought including Jeanne-Claude in the title would make outreach for projects more difficult in a male-dominated space. However, the concepts were collaborative, and eventually, the two changed the name to reflect their partnership.
They were bold in their proposals and the extremity of their work. The two pushed through procedural obstacles that involved countless negotiations, permits, and government approval. At this point, if you haven’t heard of their previous installations, you’re most likely wondering what sort of projects garner so much back and forth. Well, when the artwork equates to wrapping monumental structures, landscapes, and buildings, the question of ethics comes into play. But that’s the thing about Christo and Jeanne-Claud: environmental risk is mitigated, funding comes entirely from their savings, and all installations are temporary. With a case like that, wrapping the Pont Neuf in Paris or one million square feet off the coast of Sydney becomes fair game–sort of.
Background of The Gates
After a 250+ page rejection of The Gates project in Central Park, the artists’ luck turned around, and sketches became tangible objects. From 7,503 saffron fabric panels to 16-foot-tall infrastructures and volunteer assemblies, The Gates weren’t easy to miss. They scattered around pedestrian walkways, with an aura of renewal and rippled fabric that mimicked the winding roads and paths that make Central Park so illustrious. And while the artist’s agenda was to never leave a permanent footprint, their fleeting exhibitions tend to be missed when they’re gone.
The Gates are Back
2025 marks multiple anniversaries for Christo and Jeanne-Claude, from their 90th birthday (yes, they have the same birthday) to the 30th anniversary of Wrapped Reichstag and, of course, the 20th anniversary of The Gates in New York City.
The Gates are back to commemorate the artists so famous for their perseverance (or at least a modernized version). From February 12 to March 23, an augmented reality experience is available through the Bloomberg Connects app (no catch; it’s free), allowing you to relive the original installment.
If your interests lie more in the process behind the installment, The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation is presenting an exhibition at The Shed. You’ll see the original artworks, parts of the actual installation, and a virtual map of The Gates created by technology studios Dirt Empire and Pixels Pixels. You’ll also find the slew of proposals it took to receive the green light.
FAQs
Q: Where is the exhibition?
A: The exhibition is on at The Shed on 545 West 30th Street, in the Level 4 Gallery.
Q: How much of the installation is visible on the app?
A: You can see 5 percent of The Gates while in the park, which is slightly over a mile.
Q: Are tickets to the exhibition free?
A: Tickets are Choose What You Pay, but the suggested donation is $10.
