NYC to celebrate christo & jeanne-claude's 'the gates' at the shed

Remembering the Legacy of The Gates

The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation, in collaboration with The Shed, Central Park Conservancy, NYC Parks, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, is marking the 20th anniversary of The Gates. This iconic 2005 public art installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude transformed New York City’s Central Park with 7,503 saffron-colored gates spanning 23 miles of pathways. The celebration includes a retrospective exhibition at The Shed and an augmented reality (AR) experience in Central Park through the Bloomberg Connects app, running from February 12th to March 23rd, 2025.

The Gates revitalized New York City’s public spirit four years after 9/11. The large-scale exhibition drew over four million visitors during its sixteen-day run. Vladimir Yavachev, director of projects for Christo and Jeanne-Claude, emphasized its enduring impact: ‘Even after 20 years, the unforgettable visual memory of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Gates is still in the minds of the many people who experienced it in person or viewed it from afar. This anniversary celebrates their legacy with innovative experiences that blend history and technology.’

Exhibition at The Shed: Exploring Past and Unrealized Visions

Titled Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City, the free exhibition at The Shed offers visitors an in-depth look at the artists’ creative journey. Original drawings, scale models, and components from the artists‘ 2005 installation will be displayed alongside immersive photographs and videos. What’s more, an interactive augmented reality map of Central Park, developed by Dirt Empire and Superbright for Bloomberg Connects, will guide visitors through the creation of The Gates.

For the first time in the U.S., the exhibition will also feature unrealized projects envisioned by Christo and Jeanne-Claude for New York City, revealing their innovative approaches to large-scale public art. ‘The Shed is proud to partner on this incredible look at Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s signature contributions to public art,‘ said Max Hodges, CEO of The Shed. ‘This exhibition allows audiences to reflect on their work and find meaning in today’s world.’

Curated by Pascal Roulin, the exhibition promises a unique, enveloping experience that rekindles memories for those who witnessed The Gates and introduces their artistry to new audiences. Free tickets will be available early in 2025 through The Shed’s website.

Augmented Reality Brings The Gates Back to Central Park

The celebration extends to Central Park with a state-of-the-art AR experience powered by Bloomberg Connects. Visitors can use their mobile devices to rediscover sections of The Gates in their original locations. Developed in collaboration with Dirt Empire and Superbright, the AR installation reimagines the project with hundreds of virtual gates that march across the park’s picturesque landscape.

‘This initiative allows people to experience The Gates in a completely new way, integrating the power of technology with the timeless beauty of Central Park,’ said Betsy Smith, President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue added, ‘Two decades later, The Gates continues to remind us of the vital role public art plays in enriching our public spaces and connecting communities.’

The AR experience will be accessible via the Bloomberg Connects app, free of charge, during daylight hours near 72nd Street. Visitors can explore interactive stories about the history and impact of The Gates along the route.