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New York City, New York / Public art

The Cube

Known as 'Alamo,' this iconic 1967 black steel sculpture at Astor Place is one of downtown Manhattan's most recognizable symbols and a pioneering work of abstract public art.

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The Cube
www.whitecube.com, og_image_www.whitecube.com

What is The Cube at Astor Place known for?

The Cube, also known as Alamo, is one of downtown Manhattan's most recognizable symbols and a public art landmark. It is a steel sculpture that can be pushed and rotated on its axis.

Where is The Cube located?

The Cube is located at the intersection of Astor Place and Lafayette Street in Manhattan.

Who designed The Cube?

The sculpture was designed by the artist Bernard (Tony) Rosenthal.

What is the history of The Cube?

Installed in 1967, the sculpture was initially intended to be a temporary public art installation. However, Cooper Union students petitioned to keep it in its original location permanently.

What does The Cube look like?

The sculpture is an eight-foot-square steel work painted solid black.

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 Cube, also known as Alamo, is a monumental steel sculpture located at the intersection of Astor Place and Lafayette Street in Manhattan. Installed in 1967 by artist Bernard (Tony) Rosenthal, it stands as one of the first abstract sculptures to be permanently installed in New York City. The work is an eight-foot-square steel sculpture painted solid black, though some records describe it as a 15-foot Cor-Ten steel sculpture. Initially, the piece was intended to be a temporary installation. However, the sculpture became so beloved by the local community that students from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, located across the street, petitioned to keep the Cube in its original home permanently. Today, the sculpture is considered a New York and public art landmark. Despite its minimalist appearance, the Cube is interactive; it can be pushed and rotated on its axis, allowing visitors to engage with the art in a physical way. Over the decades, the sculpture has seen a few temporary absences from its site. It was removed in 2005, between 2014 and 2016, and again in 2023 to accommodate conservation efforts and the addition of space for a pedestrian plaza.

Visitor tips

  • Try pushing the sculpture to see it rotate on its axis.
  • Visit during the day to appreciate the solid black finish against the urban backdrop.
  • Allow a few minutes to observe the surrounding pedestrian plaza.

Nearby context

The Cube is situated in the heart of the heart of the NoHo neighborhood, specifically at the intersection of Astor Place and Lafayette Street, directly across from the historic Cooper Union.

Sources

Evidence and links