This NYC Park Just Got A Zen-Inducing Crystal Tower

Chaotic, bustling, full of potential…there are many phrases you’d use to describe NYC, but ‘zen’ generally isn’t one of them. Although, with a growing number of meditation studios and mindfulness classes popping up in the city, it seems that could be about to change. Case in point: the new addition of a 31-foot rose crystal tower in Union Square Park.
The towering totem was created by renowned glass sculpture artist Dave Chiluly, who also has a garden exhibition at New York Botanical Garden. While it may resemble the high-vibing rose quartz crystal (which is said to have soothing and healing properties), it’s actually made out of Polyvitro crystals—a plastic material developed by the artist—and steel.

#dalechihuly #rosecrystaltower #nycparks #polyvitro #iconic #installationart #studioglass #architecture

A post shared by Zhenya (@yskaradi) on Oct 5, 2017 at 5:18pm PDT

While the statue might not have the supposed energy-enhancing benefits of real crystals, it may have a calming placebo effect on frazzled passersby. And at the very least, it makes for some gorgeous Instagram photos! The Rose Crystal Tower will be on display until October next year as part of NYC’s 50th anniversary celebration of its public art program, Art in the Parks, so there’s plenty of time to check it out.

“The city’s Park Department unveiled the Rose Crystal Tower at the Union Square Triangle. The unveiling commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Parks Department’s public art program, Art in the Parks. “New York City’s energy, architecture, and rich creative history is formidable and it continues to offer infinite inspiration for artists,” Chihuly said in a statement to the Parks Department. “I am excited to share my work with the residents and visitors who pass through New York City every year.” Soaring 31 feet into the sky, this sculpture is composed of Polyvitro crystals (over 300!) and steel. Polyvitrois is a term coined by Chihuly wherein he is referring to a plastic material that he casts into individual chunks to make it resemble glass. The sculpture will be in place until October 2018.” Via @curbed #NYCwanderings #CHIHULY #RoseCrystalTower #nycparks #nycart #publicart #unionsquare #unionsquarepark #nycphotography #seeyourcity #timeoutnewyork #nbc4ny #nycstreetphotography #nyc_highlights #nyc_explorers #instagramnyc #newyork_instagram #igny #nyny #iloveny #shotoniphone #shotoniphone7plus

A post shared by NYCwanderings (@nycwanderings) on Oct 8, 2017 at 7:25am PDT