Back in May it was announced that the iconic Astor Place cube sculpture, officially titled Alamo, would be missing for a while for restoration, and after two months in the shop it officially reclaimed its throne last night, Monday, July 17, according to The New York Times.
The 1,800-pound cube by Tony Rosenthal has been a neighborhood landmark for the past 56 years. Known for its twirling abilities, the mechanisms responsible for the sculpture’s ability to spin are in need of much repair after not working properly for the past year.
The Cube was sent to a foundry in Connecticut that fabricates and fixes sculptures, and the job reportedly estimated to have cost around $100,000 which was paid for by Rosenthal’s estate.
Dave Petrie, the director of Rosenthal’s estate, told The New York Times that “the cube got a new weatherproof spinning mechanism that should keep it turning for 20 years or so.”
Before returning to NYC however, The Cube made a pit stop to the Fine Art Fair in the Hamptons–because we’re not the only ones who deserve a summer Hamptons vaca!
Those who gazed upon the sculpture couldn’t believe they were seeing the real Alamo, Petrie told The NY Times. “They think they’re seeing a new sculpture. Five coats of paint.” Apparently it was even painted inside.
The NYC Department of Transportation, which is responsible for The Cube, scheduled the unveiling of the restored sculpture for this morning, where New Yorkers had the chance to welcome back the sculpture and see it spin once again!