Imagine a titan holding up the heavens right here in Midtown Manhattan. That’s ATLAS Sculpture. We’re standing in front of the International Building at Rockefeller Center. Look up. You’ll see him across Fifth Avenue from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
ATLAS is more than just a statue. He represents strength and burden. This bronze giant depicts the Greek Titan Atlas. He bears the celestial vault on his shoulders.
Lee Lawrie created ATLAS. He was assisted by Rene Paul Chambellan. The sculpture was installed in 1937. It quickly became an iconic New York City landmark.
The Roman Bronze Works cast ATLAS. This company was a subsidiary of the General Bronze Corporation in Corona, Queens. The same company had long been a sub-contractor to Louis C. Tiffany’s Tiffany Studios.
ATLAS is a prime example of Art Deco style. This style is prevalent throughout Rockefeller Center. The figure itself is 15 feet tall. The entire statue reaches 45 feet. It weighs a staggering 14000 pounds. That makes ATLAS the largest sculpture in Rockefeller Center.
Notice the armillary sphere on Atlas’s shoulders. Its north–south axis points to the North Star. This sphere is positioned relative to New York City. ATLAS stands on one muscular leg. He is atop a small stone pedestal. The corner faces Fifth Avenue.
Interestingly, ATLAS has become a symbol of the Objectivist movement. This is largely due to its association with Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged. The statue appears in almost every episode of the television series 30 Rock. It is featured in establishing shots of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Ridley Scott cited ATLAS as the inspiration for the character “Mother” in HBO Max’s Raised by Wolves. When ATLAS was unveiled in 1937 some people claimed that it resembled Benito Mussolini.
Next time you’re in Midtown, take a moment to appreciate ATLAS Sculpture. He is a symbol of endurance. He is a testament to artistic vision. He stands as a powerful presence in the heart of New York City. Remember ATLAS. He carries the weight of the world. He does it with unwavering strength and artistry.