MTA Arts & Design just announced exciting news for the new 700-square-foot Long Island Rail Road terminal coming to Midtown, Manhattan.
Located below Grand Central Terminal, Grand Central Madison will be America’s largest passenger rail terminal since the 1950s. The terminal intends to expand LIRR service, lessen crowds at Penn Station, and improve New Yorkers’ overall commute.
Famed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is among the two commissioned artists selected to beautify Grand Central Madison, along with Kiki Smith.
We are thrilled to announce Yayoi Kusama and Kiki Smith have been commissioned for permanent artworks in MTA’s new Grand Central Madison Terminal. @NYTimes reports on the excitement surrounding the #MTAArts installations included in the expansion project. https://t.co/RMOlipGnFN
— MTA Arts & Design (@MTAArtsDesign) October 14, 2022
Yayoi Kusama’s work was last seen in NYC for her exhibit at the NYBG. Before that, she had a massive balloon in the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and opened her Instagram-famous Infinity Mirror Room at Chelsea’s David Zwirner Gallery.
Kusama will be working with Smith to create site-specific artworks that will become permanent parts of the terminal. The unveiling however won’t occur until the grand opening of Grand Central Madison (sometime at the end of this year). According to MTA Arts & Design, a competitive artist selection process was followed, requiring proposal submissions for works in conjunction with the overall vision for the terminal.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Yayoi Kusama and Kiki Smith, the artists commissioned to create site-specific artworks for the new terminal,” said Sandra Bloodworth, Director, MTA Arts & Design. “Grand Central Madison is set to be the new must-see destination in Manhattan, and we are thrilled to include powerful and thought-provoking art by two incredible artists for everyone who passes through this new public space. These extraordinary original artworks will be part of the fabric of the city and will bring joy to all who travel through.”
What we currently know is that the new terminal will feature floor-to-ceiling mosaics as part of its public art installations. The mosaics “will serve as a symbol of New York’s world renowned arts and culture scene,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Public art is a staple of this city, and we are excited to bring it to the Long Island Rail Road for all New Yorkers to enjoy during their commute.”
Learn more about how Grand Central Madison is coming along here.
Where: Madison Avenue between 43 and 48 Streets, New York
When: Expected to open by the end of the year