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Atlas (statue)

A colossal bronze Art Deco masterpiece in Rockefeller Center, depicting the Greek Titan Atlas holding the celestial vault on his shoulders.

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Atlas (statue)
www.rockefellercenter.com, website_hero_img_www.rockefellercenter.com

What is the Atlas statue?

The Atlas statue is a bronze, Art Deco sculpture located in the International Building's courtyard at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. It depicts the Greek Titan Atlas holding the heavens, or a celestial vault, on his shoulders.

How big is the Atlas statue?

The entire statue is 45 feet tall and weighs 14,000 pounds. The figure of Atlas himself is 15 feet tall.

Who created the Atlas statue?

The statue was created through a collaboration between sculptor Lee Lawrie, who conceived and designed the figure, and Rene Paul Chambellan, who modeled the statue from Lawrie's sketch.

What is the Atlas statue known for?

It is known as the largest sculpture at Rockefeller Center and one of its greatest Art Deco icons. It has also been featured on U.S. postage stamps and associated with the Objectivist movement and Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged.

Where exactly is the Atlas statue located?

The statue is located in the International Building's courtyard at Rockefeller Center, across Fifth Avenue from St. Patrick's Cathedral.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Atlas statue is a towering bronze figure located in the courtyard of the International Building at 630 Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Installed in 1937, the work was a collaboration between sculptor Lee Lawrie, who conceived the design, and Rene Paul Chambellan, who modeled the heroic-sized figure from Lawrie's sketches. The sculpture is a quintessential example of the Art Deco style, featuring exaggerated musculature and stylized facial features that mirror the architectural theme of the surrounding Rockefeller Center complex. Standing as the largest sculpture in the entire Rockefeller Center complex, the work is an imposing presence. The figure of Atlas himself is 15 feet tall, while the entire statue, including the celestial vault, reaches a height of 45 feet—equivalent to a four-story building. Weighing 14,000 pounds, this massive bronze casting represents the mythological Titan from Greek mythology, who was a half-man, half-god giant known for leading a war against the Olympic gods. Beyond its artistic merit, the statue has acquired a layer of political and cultural significance. It has been associated with the Objectivist movement and Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged, and was even featured on a United States Postal Service stamp issued on June 29, 2001. The site is positioned across Fifth Avenue from St. Patrick's Cathedral, providing a striking contrast between the secular Art Deco power of the Titan and the Gothic own of the cathedral.

Visitor tips

  • Look up at the celestial vault to appreciate the detailed armillary sphere design.
  • Compare the Art Deco styling of the statue with the architecture of the International Building behind it.
  • Visit during the morning to avoid the heaviest crowds of tourists in the Rockefeller Center area.

Nearby context

The Atlas statue is situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, nestled within the Rockefeller Center complex. It stands as a a prominent landmark across Fifth Avenue from St. Patrick's Cathedral, serving as a gateway to the internationalist spirit of the International Building.

Sources

Evidence and links