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New York Earth Room

A monumental interior sculpture by Walter De Maria, this tucked-away SoHo loft contains 250 cubic yards of earth, creating a quiet, meditative environment in the heart of Manhattan.

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What is the New York Earth Room?

It is an interior earth sculpture by artist Walter De Maria, consisting of 250 cubic yards of earth spread across 3,600 square feet of floor space to a depth of 22 inches.

Where is it located?

The installation is located in a SoHo loft at 141 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012.

Is it free?

Yes, admission to the New York Earth Room is free.

What are the hours?

The site is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12–3 pm and 3:30–6 pm. It is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays including Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, December 31, and January 1.

Is it accessible?

The installation is on the second floor and is accessible via stairs or elevator; a ramp is available upon request. ADA service dogs are welcome, though other pets, including therapy or emotional-support animals, are not permitted.

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 New York Earth Room is a striking interior sculpture created by artist Walter De Maria in 1977. Located at 141 Wooster Street in SoHo, the installation fills an entire apartment in a tucked-away loft. It is the third and largest version of De Maria's Earth Room series, following earlier installations in Munich in 1968 and Darmstadt in 1974. Because the first two works no longer exist, this New York site is the only surviving example of the series. The scale of the work is immense, consisting of 250 cubic yards of earth spread across 3,600 square feet of floor space. The material reaches a consistent depth of 22 inches and weighs approximately 280,000 pounds. Maintained by the Dia Art Foundation, the installation has been open to the public free of charge since 1980, evolving from a conceptual piece into a long-running public landmark. Visiting the site offers a muted, meditative contrast to the surrounding city. To maintain the sculpture, a caretaker named Bill Dilworth has spent three decades watering and raking the dirt on a weekly basis. This careful maintenance ensures the earth remains a living part of the urban landscape, though visitors must adhere to strict rules, including a total ban on photography inside the gallery.

Visitor tips

  • Ring the nondescript buzzer at the entrance to gain access to the loft.
  • Plan your visit for Wednesday through Sunday between 12–3 pm or 3:30–6 pm.
  • Leave your camera in your bag, as photography is strictly prohibited inside the room.
  • Request a ramp if you require accessibility assistance, as the gallery is on the second floor.

Nearby context

The installation is situated in the heart of SoHo's loft district on Wooster Street, an area known for its cast-iron architecture and high-end galleries. Its tucked-away nature makes it a hidden gem compared to the bustling commercial storefronts nearby.

Sources

Evidence and links