Work is nearly complete on Anish Kapoor’s reflective “bean” sculpture at the base of 56 Leonard Street, an 831-foot-tall residential skyscraper in Tribeca. The work sits directly outside the main lobby of the tower, which was designed by Herzog & de Meuron and Hill West Architects and opened in 2017.
At the time of our last update in November, the amorphous metal sculpture sat covered in protective white plastic film. This has since been largely peeled away, giving a better impression of the final look of the piece. Only several square patches are left covering the exterior, and sidewalk scaffolding still surrounds the sculpture. Adjacent retail space lining Church Street is still available for lease.
56 Leonard Street. Photo by Michael Young
56 Leonard Street. Photo by Michael Young
56 Leonard Street. Photo by Michael Young
56 Leonard Street. Photo by Michael Young
The extreme reflectivity mirrors the surrounding skyscrapers around 56 Leonard Street.
56 Leonard Street. Photo by Michael Young
56 Leonard Street. Photo by Michael Young
Anish Kapoor’s artwork bulges outward toward the sidewalks and slightly upward to reach the height of the second floor, while the rest is tucked below two corners of the cantilevering ground-floor ceiling.
56 Leonard Street. Photo by Michael Young
56 Leonard Street. Photo by Michael Young
Some equipment remains behind the sidewalk barriers but should be taken out soon. Click here to see what the site looked like during our last update in late November.
56 Leonard Street. Photo by Michael Young
56 Leonard Street. Photo by Michael Young
No completion date has been announced, though sometime this summer seems likely.
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I like how part of it is squished underneath the building. A true jelly bean.
It can reflect the surrounding buildings, without moving away from the location. Even though it’s lower than a skyscraper, but clearly visible from the ground level: Thanks to Michael Young.
Add to my must see list on next visit! 😀
I’m wondering how long before someone tries to damage it, either by tagging or scratching the polished surface? Are there security cameras nearby? 🤔
I’m not sure that’s been a problem with Cloudgate. But, who knows.
Yes—CloudGate (in Chicago) has been vandalized many times, and cleaned by the city (Google it.). My unexpected discovery of “The Bean” was that it was covered in dirty sticky handprints! If you want a close-up photo, take a rag and some Windex! ✋✋✋
Another jenga building. Not sure the purpose of the bean other than to block the sidewalk.
I love the Chicago sculpture, but this looks like the building had an “accident.”
I give it a week before someone tags it with grafitti
Is it me or does this thing look a whoopee cushion?!
Wow what a complete eyesore and waste of resources!!!! Is this what passes as art ? I wonder what the residents of the building have to say ?
Stunning building — up close & from afar.
A welcome change from the me-too glass-slathered boxes.
And the bean is a whimsical welcome addition (Sorry, Diana et al!)