Sky Gate, New York
Sky Gate, New York was a sculptural work by Louise Nevelson displayed in the mezzanine area of the North Tower within the World Trade Center complex in New York City from 1978 until it was destroyed during the September 11 attacks in 2001.
The inspiration for Nevelson's creation came from a view of the New York skyline she observed while flying from New York to Washington. She characterized the piece as a "night piece" that symbolized the "windows of New York," effectively capturing the city's skyline through her artistic expression.
History
Commissioned by Saul Wenegrat, who directed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's art program, Sky Gate was part of the World Trade Center's "Percent For Art" initiative. The sculpture experienced multiple revisions before its final unveiling.
Measuring roughly 32 feet in width, 17 feet in height, and 1 foot in depth, it stood as Louise Nevelson's largest sculpture at that time, consisting of more than 35 darkly painted wooden relief panels. Finished around 1977 or 1978, Sky Gate was officially dedicated on December 12, 1978, positioned in the mezzanine of One World Trade Center with a view over Austin J. Tobin Plaza. The dedication ceremony was led by Kitty Carlisle Hart, then chair of the New York State Council on the Arts.
The artwork was lost during the September 11 attacks in 2001 and was never recovered.