Make a wish at a new public art installation in the Financial District
All photos courtesy of Juliet Mueller
A new public art installation shines bright in the Financial District. Created by design studio Hou de Sousa, “Star Light Star Bright” draws inspiration from the cultural tradition of wish trees, where people attach wishes in writing, artwork, ribbons, and cloth, hoping they come true. Located at the plaza in front of 140 Broadway, the immersive installation invites New Yorkers to tie colorful “wish ribbons” to the chain links, growing into a Chia Pet-esque artwork full of hopes and dreams.
The 22-foot-wide star-shaped installation features a steel frame adorned with 1,200 colorful chains and over 75,000 links for tying fluorescent wish ribbons. With each ribbon that is added, the installation grows larger and brighter.
“As the winter season sets in, ‘Star Light Star Bright’ will be a bright and joyful addition to Lower Manhattan, providing a reason to gather, reflect, and create a sense of community,” Jessica Lappin, president of the Downtown Alliance, said.
“We hope it encourages locals and visitors alike to take a moment outdoors, enjoy the lights and share their wishes for the future.”
Complementing the installation, the Downtown Alliance will host community events in the plaza on December 4, 11, and 18, from 12 to 2 p.m., featuring live music by New York Collective and free refreshments from Simpl Coffee and Blue Spoon. During the lunchtime events, you’ll be able to get a blank ribbon to write a wish.
If you can’t make it to the events, pick up a ribbon with a pre-printed wish from a local wish partner, bring it back to the plaza, and add it to the artwork directly. A list of partners can be found here and via the Google Map below.
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