“The Gates” returns to Central Park – Virtually.

In February 2005, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude unveiled “The Gates,” a monumental public art installation in Central Park. This project featured 7,503 saffron-colored gates with flowing fabric, spanning 23 miles of the park’s pathways. For sixteen days, “The Gates” transformed the park’s winter landscape, inviting both locals and tourists to experience Central Park in a new light. Now, two decades later, this iconic installation is being reimagined through an innovative virtual experience, allowing a new generation to engage with the artwork in a contemporary context.

Beginning February 12, 2025, visitors to Central Park can immerse themselves in an augmented reality (AR) rendition of “The Gates.”

This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Central Park Conservancy and the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation, offers an interactive experience accessible via smartphones. By downloading the Bloomberg Connects app, users can visualize a portion of the original installation between East 72nd Street and Cherry Hill, superimposed onto the park’s current landscape. This fusion of art and technology not only pays homage to the original work but also underscores the evolving ways in which audiences can interact with art in public spaces.

The AR experience is designed to be intuitive and engaging. Upon launching the Bloomberg Connects app, users are guided to specific locations within Central Park where virtual gates appear on their device screens, aligned with the park’s pathways. This setup allows individuals to “walk through” the gates, mirroring the physical experience from 2005. The app also provides historical context, including insights into the original installation’s conception, challenges faced during its realization, and its impact on New York City’s cultural landscape. This digital narrative enriches the user’s journey, blending past and present through the lens of modern technology.

Complementing the AR experience, The Shed, a cultural institution in Hudson Yards, is hosting an exhibition titled “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City.” Running concurrently from February 12 to March 23, 2025, this exhibition delves into the artistic journey of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, showcasing original drawings, scale models, and components from “The Gates.” Visitors can explore the meticulous planning and creativity that brought the 2005 installation to life. Additionally, the exhibition sheds light on several ambitious projects the duo envisioned for New York City that, for various reasons, remained unrealized. Through scale models and digital reproductions, attendees gain insight into the artists’ creative process and their profound connection to the city they called home.

A notable feature of the exhibition at The Shed is an interactive, tabletop map of Central Park. This digital installation offers a bird’s-eye view of “The Gates,” allowing visitors to visualize the extensive reach of the original project. By navigating this virtual map, attendees can appreciate the scale and ambition of the installation, as well as its harmonious integration into the park’s natural topography. This feature serves as a bridge between the physical AR experience in Central Park and the comprehensive exhibition at The Shed, providing a holistic understanding of the project.

The revival of “The Gates” through augmented reality and the accompanying exhibition offers a multifaceted tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s legacy. It provides an opportunity for those who experienced the original installation to reconnect with the artwork, while introducing it to new audiences in an innovative format. This initiative exemplifies how art can evolve with technological advancements, ensuring that monumental works continue to inspire and engage across generations.

For those interested in participating, the AR experience is available in Central Park from February 12 to March 23, 2025. The exhibition at The Shed operates during the same dates, with tickets offered on a “Choose What You Pay” basis, making it accessible to a broad audience. Visitors are encouraged to download the Bloomberg Connects app prior to their visit to fully engage with the AR installation and enhance their overall experience.

In bringing “The Gates” into the digital age, this project not only commemorates a significant moment in New York City’s artistic history but also explores the potential of technology to redefine our interaction with art and public spaces. It stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s vision, reminding us of the transformative power of art in our urban environments.

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