Artwork at the World Trade Center (2001–present)
| Company type | Public art collection |
|---|---|
| Industry | Arts and culture |
| Founder | Asher Edelman (curatorial oversight for One World Trade Center) |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | World Trade Center complex, New York City |
Key people | Asher Edelman (curator) |
| Products | Public artworks including paintings, murals, sculptures |
The recently developed World Trade Center complex showcases a variety of public artworks created by multiple artists.
Overview
The art selection for One World Trade Center was overseen by Asher Edelman and his New York-based gallery, Edelman Arts. Their curatorial approach favored abstract pieces that emphasize themes of unity and progress, deliberately steering clear of any direct allusions to the events of 2001. The collection includes works from five American artists, notably featuring two paintings by the late Fritz Bultman prominently displayed in the lobby.
ONE: Union of the Senses (2014) by José Parlá
José Parlá’s mural ONE: Union of the Senses, located in the lobby, is recognized as the largest painting in New York City. Parlá’s signature style, which merges elements of street art with calligraphy, is expressed through vibrant colors that celebrate the city’s cultural diversity.
Lenape (2015) and Unami (2015) by Donald Martiny
Occupying significant space in the lobby are two expansive paintings titled Lenape and Unami by Donald Martiny. These represent his most substantial works to date and were created directly on-site because of their immense scale. Martiny dedicated two months to completing these pieces while being observed by up to 25,000 visitors each day.
Both artworks resemble enormous brushstrokes but were produced entirely by hand without employing brushes or any other tools.
The title Lenape honors the indigenous Lenape people who originally lived in what is now New York City, while Unami references their now-extinct language.
One World Trade Center Series (2014) by Greg Goldberg
Seven oil paintings on canvas by Greg Goldberg are exhibited on the 64th floor sky lobby. Each piece, crafted in Goldberg’s Connecticut studio, features abstract undulating color patterns and shares uniform dimensions.
Prana by Bryan Hunt
Bryan Hunt's sculpture Prana, the sole public sculpture commissioned for One World Trade Center, stands on the east side of the 64th floor sky lobby. Measuring , this work draws inspiration from airships and aims to evoke sensations of lightness and freedom from gravity.
Gravity of Nightfall and Blue Triptych-Intrusion Into the Blue (1961) by Fritz Bultman
Two abstract paintings by Fritz Bultman are displayed in the North Lobby. Bultman, who is the only deceased artist included in the World Trade Center Complex collection, was a member of "The Irascibles," a distinguished group that featured artists such as Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Jackson Pollock.
Randomly Placed Exact Percentages and Isotropic by Doug Argue
Prominently positioned in the front lobby are two paintings by Minnesota artist Doug Argue. His work integrates concepts from mathematics and science, complementing the building's contemporary design aesthetic.
3 World Trade Center
Since 2025, Frank Gehry’s illuminated copper sculpture Untitled (Fish on Fire, Greenwich Street) 2024 has been a focal point within 3 World Trade Center’s lobby. This rotating piece spans , enhancing visual interest for visitors.
A mural entitled Joystick, created by James Rosenquist in 2002 and relocated to 3 WTC in 2020, stretches across one wall of the lobby. This installation underscores the building’s dedication to incorporating iconic art within its public areas.
4 World Trade Center
Silverstein Properties developed 4 World Trade Center, which houses an art studio and gallery on its 69th floor. This initiative was introduced through the collaboration of art advisor Robert Marcucci and chief marketing officer Dara McQuillan.
Memorial by David Uda
On the 69th floor, Irish artist David Uda crafted a tribute featuring a large circle adorned with 2,606 painted flowers, each symbolizing a victim of the September 11 attacks at the World Trade Center. The piece also incorporates 13 stripes as an homage to the American flag.
Large-scale Installation by Kozo Nishino
Japanese artist Kozo Nishino was tasked with creating Sky Memory, a titanium arc measuring 30 meters in diameter, suspended seven meters above the lobby floor. This dynamic sculpture, weighing 215 kilograms, represents Nishino’s inaugural commission in the United States.
7 World Trade Center
From 2006 until its removal for restoration in 2018, Jeff Koons’ Balloon Flower (Red) was exhibited outside 7 World Trade Center. In 2021, it was succeeded by Frank Stella’s Jasper's Split Star at the same site.