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Joie de Vivre

A towering 70-foot steel sculpture by Mark di Suvero, Joie de Vivre celebrates the 'Joy of Life' through bold, open-ended tetrahedrons in the heart of Lower Manhattan's Zuccotti Park.

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Joie de Vivre
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What is Joie de Vivre?

Joie de Vivre is a 70-foot outdoor sculpture created by Mark di Suvero, composed of open-ended tetrahedrons.

Where is the sculpture located?

It is located at Zuccotti Park in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, New York City, specifically by the intersection of Broadway and Cedar Street.

When was it created and installed?

The sculpture dates to 1998 and was installed at its current location in June 2006 after previously being located at the Holland Tunnel rotary.

Are there any notable events associated with the sculpture?

In October 2011, during the Occupy Wall Street protests, a man climbed the sculpture and remained there for several hours until police escorted him down.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Joie de Vivre is a massive outdoor sculpture created by the renowned artist Mark di Suvero. Standing 70 feet tall, the piece is composed of open-ended tetrahedrons, creating a dynamic and industrial feel that contrasts with the surrounding skyscrapers of the Financial District. The sculpture serves as a landmark of modern art in a public space, inviting viewers to experience the scale and geometry of steel construction. Originally dating back to 1998, the work was first located at the Holland Tunnel rotary, also known as St. John's Park. It was later moved and installed at the intersection of Broadway and Cedar Street in June 2006, where it now resides in Zuccotti Park. This relocation shifted the piece from a traffic circle to a pedestrian-focused environment, allowing visitors to walk around and under the structure. Beyond its architectural significance, the sculpture has become a silent witness to the social history of Lower Manhattan. During the Occupy Wall Street protests in October 2011, the sculpture gained further notoriety when a man climbed the steel beams of Joie de Vivre and remained there for several hours before being escorted down by police. This event highlighted the sculpture's role as a focal point for public expression and gathering in the city's most famous financial hub.

Visitor tips

  • Look up to appreciate the geometric patterns created by the open-ended tetrahedrons against the city skyline.
  • Visit during the morning to avoid the heavy midday rush of Financial District office workers.
  • Combine this stop with a walk through Zuccotti Park to see other temporary public art installations.

Nearby context

Located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, Joie de Vivre is a central feature of Zuccotti Park, surrounded by high-rise office buildings and the global financial centers of Wall Street.

Sources

Evidence and links