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New York City, New York / Public art

Day's End

A monumental stainless steel outline by David Hammons, this public installation recreates a lost 1975 artwork and honors the LGBTQIA+ history of the Hudson River waterfront.

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Day's End
whitney.org, og_image_whitney.org

What is Day's End?

Day's End is a permanent public art project by David Hammons, completed in 2021. It is a monumental, open architectural outline made of stainless steel tubes and precast concrete that recreates the dimensions and location of a former warehouse on Pier 52.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, Day's End is open and free to all because it is situated on public land.

What is the sculpture known for?

It is known as one of the largest public art installations in New York City and serves as a memorial to artist Gordon Matta-Clark. It is also the first federally approved public art project in New York City inspired by the city's LGBTQIA+ history.

Where is it located?

Day's End is located in Hudson River Park along the southern edge of the Gansevoort Peninsula, directly across from the Whitney Museum of American Art.

What inspired the work?

The installation is inspired by Gordon Matta-Clark's 1975 artwork of the same name, in which he carved into an abandoned pier shed at Pier 52 to create a living sculpture that celebrated water and light.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Day's End is a permanent public art installation completed in 2021 by American artist David Hammons. Situated on the southern edge of the Gansevoort Peninsula within Hudson River Park, the work was developed through a collaboration between the Whitney Museum of American Art and the park. The sculpture is a massive, open architectural outline stretching 325 feet long, constructed from precast concrete and brushed stainless steel tubes. The installation serves as a precise structural ghost, adhering to the exact dimensions, proportions, and location of a former warehouse that once stood on Pier 52. This design pays tribute to a 1975 artwork of the same name by Gordon Matta-Clark, who transformed that abandoned pier shed into a living sculpture by carving cuts into the building. Matta-Clark, who died of cancer in 1978 at age 35, titled his original work Day's End because the setting sun transformed the sliced building into a sculptural experience. Beyond its architectural tribute, the site holds deep social significance. The original Pier 52 warehouse was a gathering place for the nearby gay community in the 1970s, where friends and lovers met to enjoy the river and the sunset. Consequently, this installation is the first federally approved public art project in New York City inspired by the city's LGBTQIA+ history. Visually, the work resembles a three-dimensional architectural diagram or construction scaffolding. Because it is situated on public land, the monument is owned by everyone and remains free and open to all visitors who wander along Manhattan's West Side.

Visitor tips

  • Visit during the late afternoon to see how the setting sun interacts with the steel frame, echoing the original inspiration of the work.
  • The installation is located on public land and is free to access for all visitors.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the sculpture is 325 feet long and encourages walking through its open structure.

Nearby context

The sculpture is anchored on Manhattan's West Side, situated directly across from the Whitney Museum of American Art on the redeveloped Gansevoort Peninsula.

Sources

Evidence and links