Rockefeller Center is getting a monumental Halloween makeover.
Starting October 9, 2026, renowned artist Kenny Scharf is bringing his vibrant Pop Surrealist universe to the heart of Midtown Manhattan with a massive new public art installation.
The campus-wide exhibition spans large-scale sculptures, immersive murals, and artist-designed flags.
Giant inflatables and dancing sculptures
The exhibition is titled Scary and the Dancers!. It is anchored by a staggering 34-foot-tall inflatable creature located at Center Plaza.
This wide-eyed, hot-orange and cobalt figure reimagines the classic seasonal lawn decoration as contemporary public art. It officially marks Scharf’s largest sculptural commission to date.
Six undulating air-dancer sculptures encircle the towering main figure. They draw inspiration from the wavy inflatables you usually spot at car dealerships and gas stations.
Sited in a high-traffic area, the monumental sculptures will be visible to the hundreds of thousands of visitors passing through the complex daily.
Murals, flags, and hidden portals
The installation extends far beyond the main outdoor plaza. Visitors will spot Scharf’s signature colorful imagery across the lobby spaces of 30, 10, and 50 Rockefeller Plaza.
Three vitrine spaces inside 45 Rockefeller Plaza have even been transformed into portals of Scharf’s universe, featuring an installation of his iconic Cosmic Cavern.
High above the crowds, over 100 artist-designed flags will line the iconic flagpoles to extend the immersive experience across the entire campus.
Free weekend programming for families
A full month of free programming accompanies the outdoor exhibition.
Art Production Fund’s signature Art Sundae children’s program runs on Saturdays (October 10, 17, 24, and 31) from 10 am to 12 pm.
Kids can paint planters with playful characters. Each one-of-a-kind creation will house a plant and be displayed publicly inside a fantastical Sunshine Cavern designed by Scharf.
On Saturday, October 10, fans can also catch a special live drawing session with the artist himself at Top of the Rock.
Scary and the Dancers! remains on view through November 1, 2026, wrapping up just ahead of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree’s arrival on November 7.
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