Known locally as 'The Cube', 'Alamo', or simply 'The Obelisk', this outdoor sculpture, crafted by the late Tony Rosenthal from Cor-Ten steel, towers over Astor Place, adorned with indecipherable indentations, knobs, and ledges on each face. Painted pitch-black, it's been a popular hangout for locals since 1967. First installed as part of a temporary art exhibition called 'Sculpture and the Environment' arranged by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, along with 24 others, it was only intended for six months.
However, the public's fondness led to a petition, and they got to see it spin forevermore. The Big Apple's very own Black Obelisk has given plenty of opportunities for creative pranks and artistic interactions. It was briefly removed for a spot of maintenance in 2005 but resumed its rotation after being put back up. It's been through a few tune-ups in 2015, 2016, and 2023, but the Black Obelisk endures as a dearest symbol of New York City.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Friendly Jane
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