If you have ever wondered what lies beneath the Atlantic, you will not need a submarine to find out. This Friday night, the Brooklyn Bridge transforms into a massive digital canvas.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), ArtW, and multimedia artist Anita Glesta are teaming up to premiere AQUA COSMOS: The Hudson Canyon.
This monumental public artwork marks the first time art will ever be projected onto the eastern pylon of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The 18-minute immersive video runs on a continuous loop. It blends historical scientific illustrations, vivid animations, and brand-new NOAA underwater footage to bring the ocean right to the city skyline.
Discovering the hidden Hudson Canyon
The projection transports viewers exactly 100 miles off the New York coast to the Hudson Canyon. It is the largest submarine canyon along the entire Atlantic Coast.
Rivaling the Grand Canyon in sheer scale, this hidden ecosystem supports whales, sea turtles, sharks, and vibrant cold-water corals.
“New Yorkers will look at one of our city’s most iconic landmarks and see an extraordinary ocean wilderness that has been largely invisible to them until now,” said John F. Calvelli of WCS.
WCS is currently spearheading a major public initiative to designate the Hudson Canyon as a National Marine Sanctuary. The ultimate goal of this art installation is to build community support and protect this vital marine habitat.
A century of ocean exploration
AQUA COSMOS does more than just show off marine life. It connects an entire century of ocean science.
The artwork features journals and artwork from the historic 1925 Arcturus Expedition. This groundbreaking journey championed pioneering women artists and scientists.
Glesta seamlessly weaves these historical artifacts together with modern whale vocalization recordings and stunning 2025 NOAA footage.
“Art can take us somewhere we cannot easily go ourselves, and for two nights I want the Brooklyn Bridge to become a portal into this astonishing world,” Glesta shared.
How to catch the show
You do not need a ticket to experience this underwater world. The installation is completely free and open to the public.
Here is everything you need to know before you go:
- 📅 Friday, Sept. 25, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Where to watch: The best vantage point is Emily Warren Roebling Plaza in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- Important update: A looming weekend storm forced organizers to cancel Saturday’s showing. Friday night is your only chance to see the projection.
Grab your friends, head down to the waterfront, and catch this historic display before it disappears!