New York City is always moving, but a new exhibit is asking us to pause and reflect. Empathy, a platform that supports families through grief and estate planning, is bringing a unique experience to the city.
On August 20 and 21, they will debut “What Grows Here”. It is an interactive public art installation located inside Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal.
Leave a note of love and legacy
In honor of Grief Awareness Day and Make-a-Will Month, all New Yorkers are invited to participate.
Visitors can write a personal note to someone they love or someone they deeply miss. You can also write about the personal legacy you hope to leave behind one day.
Once your message is written, you will attach your note to a stalk of wheat. Over the course of the two-day event, the installation will physically grow into a living work of art.
Creating space for important conversations
Grief is a universal experience, yet many families struggle to talk about it. Empathy’s recent research highlights just how deeply these emotions affect us.
They found that nearly 90% of people experience anxiety while grieving. Furthermore, more than 65% say grief impacts their ability to participate in everyday life.
“What Grows Here” is designed to create a safe, welcoming space for these difficult feelings. It offers reflection, connection, and a chance to start those tough conversations.
It is a deeply meaningful opportunity to honor a loved one’s memory and find hope alongside your fellow New Yorkers.
Event details
If you want to stop by and become part of this collective artwork, here is everything you need to know before you go:
- “What Grows Here” interactive art installation
- 📅 August 20-21, 2026 | 8 AM to 7 PM
- 📍 Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal
- 💸 Completely free and open to the public