
New Yorkers and tourists alike are about to get hit with a strong sense of déjà vu as Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Gates will once again ripple through Central Park…though this time you’ll have to seek out new means of viewing this stunning installation.
Twenty years ago millions flocked to Central Park to visit Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Gates, a sprawling public art installation that transformed Central Park into a saffron-hued masterpiece. 7,503 saffron-hued gates wove along 23 miles of Central Park for two weeks of February 2005. “For millions, it was a moment of joy, reflection, and beauty,” writes Central Park on Instagram.
And now, 20 years later, the installation will once again provide a burst of warmth in the midst of winter’s icy grip, though this time it will be via augmented reality (AR).

The concept of the installation was first proposed by the artists in 1980, though it took 25 years to transform Central Park into a vibrant urban sanctuary and bring the idea into fruition. Once installed, with its saffron arches framing the park, the installation drew an unprecedented four million visitors and flourished alongside the park’s landscapes, wildlife, and community.
The Gates is revered as a celebration of art, nature, and community, and now visitors will get to see it in a fresh, contemporary format.
Beginning February 12th, a portion of The Gates will be resurrected, bringing back some of the original artwork of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Visitors will have the chance to engage with the work on their smartphones via the Bloomberg Connects app, to either rekindle old, fond memories or unveil the experience of seeing it for the first time for new audiences.

The Gates will be visible on the app between East 72nd Street and Cherry Hill. Additionally, The Shed is hosting an exhibition, Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City, also opening February 12th to mark the 20th anniversary of The Gates.
We could all use some color in this stark winter landscape, so download the (free) Bloomberg Connects app, visit Central Park between February 12th and March 23rd, 2025, and immerse yourself in this reimagined masterpiece!
You can see a video of The Gates circa 2005 below:
📍 Central Park (between East 72nd Street and Cherry Hill)
🗓 February 12th – March 23rd, 2025
📱 View the installation on your phone