UNTITLED ‘ BEAN’ | Anish Kapoor
New York City, NY - United States
ADDRESS:
56 Leonard St, New York, NY 10013
ACCESS:
FREE: Unrestricted Public Space
DISCRIPTION:
Anish Kapoor’s reflective sculpture at 56 Leonard Street in New York City is a dynamic, large-scale installation that merges art with architecture in a striking way. Nestled beneath the cantilever of the distinctive “Jenga Tower,” the polished stainless steel form, often nicknamed “the bean,” mirrors and distorts its surroundings, encouraging viewer interaction and urban reflection. Unlike its Chicago counterpart, this version appears compressed beneath the building, creating a sense of tension and playfulness. The sculpture weighs around 40 tons and was years in the making due to engineering complexities and delays. Its smooth, organic surface contrasts sharply with the tower’s jagged geometry, yet the two coexist in a carefully orchestrated visual dialogue. This is Kapoor’s first permanent public work in New York, and its presence transforms the sidewalk into an evolving canvas of city life, light, and movement, offering a surreal counterpoint to the structured chaos of Tribeca’s architectural landscape.
NOTES:
The sculpture is integrated into a notable work of architecture by Herzog and de Meuron. If you’re looking for more great sculptural works head north or south and check the map.
