The iconic Astor Place Cube, a beloved public artwork in New York City, has been temporarily removed for much-needed repairs. This marks the second time in a decade that the sculpture, officially titled Alamo, has been taken down for restoration. Standing at eight feet tall, the Bernard “Tony” Rosenthal artwork has been a fixture of the East Village since its installation in 1967, captivating both locals and visitors with its ability to spin on its axis. However, since 2021, the Cube’s spinning mechanism has been broken, leading to its removal for repairs. The Department of Transportation, responsible for its maintenance, plans to return the Cube in August, fully restored to its spinning glory.
The repairs to the Astor Place Cube are being funded by the estate of Bernard Rosenthal, who passed away in 2009. Originally, Rosenthal intended for the sculpture to be locked in a fixed position. However, the accidental discovery of its rotating ability became a key factor in its enduring popularity. The Department of Transportation, in collaboration with Rosenthal’s estate, is committed to preserving the Cube’s unique charm for future generations.
The restoration project, estimated to cost around $100,000, will be carried out by Versteeg Art Fabricator, a foundry located in Connecticut. The process will involve straightening the structure and applying five coats of fresh paint. Dave Petrie, the director of Rosenthal’s estate, expressed a strong desire to ensure that the artist’s legacy lives on. He emphasized that the cost was not an issue, as the main priority was the artwork’s preservation.
The Astor Place Cube has undergone previous restorations, including one in 2005 carried out by Versteeg Art Fabricator. During that restoration, workers had to de-rust the sculpture and unclog drainage holes due to water seepage. From 2014 to 2016, the Cube was also temporarily removed during the Astor Place Reconstruction Project, which transformed the surrounding area into a permanent pedestrian plaza. Another restoration, costing $180,000, was completed during that period.
Originally intended to be on display for only six months as part of a large-scale public art show organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Astor Place Cube quickly gained immense popularity among the public. The neighborhood rallied to keep the artwork on permanent view, successfully preserving it as an East Village icon. Rosenthal had initially planned to donate the sculpture to his alma mater, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, but ended up gifting a second version of the piece to the school.
The restoration of the Astor Place Cube aims to uphold Rosenthal’s artistic vision from the 1960s, which has captivated the imagination and spirit of the entire East Village community for decades. The sculpture’s interactive nature, inviting viewers to touch and spin it with friends, has made it a cherished symbol of the neighborhood’s vibrant artistic culture.