Isn’t it amazing how art can transform even the most ordinary spaces? Right here, along the bustling Broadway Malls, lies the Broadway Mall Gallery. This unique space is a testament to the Upper West Side’s spirit. It’s a place where art meets the street.
The Broadway Malls themselves have an interesting story. They owe their existence to Central Park. When Central Park was completed in the 1800s, it disrupted the city’s grid plan. To compensate, the city widened Bloomingdale Road. This created a median inspired by Paris’ Champs Élysées. Thus, the Upper West Side’s portion of Broadway was born.
But by the 1970s, financial troubles left the Broadway Mall in disrepair. That’s when Upper West Siders stepped in. Led by Eugene Hyde, they founded the Broadway Mall Association in 1980. This non-profit was committed to the mall’s upkeep.
The Broadway Mall Association partners with the city and other community groups. Together, they maintain this linear park. Their tasks include watering, trash removal, seasonal planting, and public art. The public art project is one of their most recent programs.
Well-known artists display sculptures along the mall. These works of art range from Columbus Circle to 168th Street. The pieces vary from modern to traditional to whimsical. In 2011, Peter Woytuk exhibited outlandish animals. Some even spun on their bases. St. Clair Cemin’s 2012 exhibit featured swirling metal spires and cubic designs.
Want to learn more about the art at the Broadway Mall Gallery? Each piece has a sign with a number to call. You can learn about the artwork in English or Spanish. You can even voice your opinion to the Broadway Mall Association.
Past artists have included Jon Isherwood with Broadway Blooms in 2021-2022. Nicolas Holiber presented Birds on Broadway, The Audubon Sculpture Project in 2019-2020. Kathy Ruttenberg showcased On Broadway: in dreams awake in 2018-2019. Joy Brown’s On Broadway was featured in 2017-2018.
The Broadway Mall Gallery literally takes art to the streets. People enjoy posing for photos with the pieces. It adds beauty and creates public space. The gallery reflects the spirit of the Upper West Side.
Broadway itself has a long history. It started as a Native American trading trail. The Dutch called it Heerestrat. The English renamed it Broadway Street. Today, it’s a 13-mile roadway.
The Broadway Mall Gallery is more than just art. It’s a symbol of community and creativity. It’s a place where you can enjoy art, green space, and a moment in the sun. So next time you’re on the Upper West Side, take a stroll along the Broadway Mall. Discover the art that makes this space so special. You might be surprised by what you find.