New York Avenue Median Sculptures
Since 2010, the New York Avenue Median Sculpture Project has long served as a catalyst for cultural exchange, civic imagination, and collective reflection, bringing bold, thought-provoking public art by women artists to the heart of Downtown DC. Transforming the New York Avenue medians into an open-air gallery, the initiative helps redefine the corridor as a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination while strengthening its identity as a thriving arts and cultural district.
Presented through a partnership between the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, the DC Office of Planning, and local partners, the project invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy dynamic outdoor art experiences.
The Beverly Pepper Ten Monumental Sculptures exhibition showcases Beverly Pepper’s bold use of weathering steel, a material she helped pioneer for sculpture in the 1970s. Known for her mastery of overlapping and intersecting curves, Pepper transformed industrial steel into expressive works that explore movement, strength, texture, and the freedom of form.
Inspired by the roadways of Mexico City, Betsabeé Romero brought the movement and symbolism of tires to life through her work for The Tire Sculptures. By carving discarded tires with patterns and imagery — from snakes inspired by Aztec artwork to fleeing families symbolizing migration — Romero transformed everyday materials into striking sculptural works that explore themes of migration, cultural identity, and humanity’s connection to the natural world.
The Magdalena Abakanowicz Sculptures exhibition featured grouped human figures and birds in flight that explored themes of resilience, destruction, and hope. Influenced by her experiences during World War II, Abakanowicz’s works reflect both human struggle and collective strength.
The Chakaia Booker Four Monumental Sculptures exhibition featured Booker’s Gridlock (2008), Take Out (2008), Pass the Buck (2008), and Shapeshifter (2012). Made entirely from recycled rubber tires, these large-scale sculptures showcase Booker’s exploration of texture, movement, and the artistic potential of industrial materials. Through intricate cuts and dynamic forms, Booker challenges viewers to rethink perception, identity, and waste.
The Niki de Saint Phalle Four Monumental Sculptures exhibition brought vibrant color and playful energy to Downtown DC through four monumental works, including Nana on a Dolphin (1998), L’Arbre serpents (Serpent Tree) (1999), #23 Basketball Player (1999), and Les trois grâces (The Three Graces) (1999). Covered in mosaic glass, mirrors, and colored stones, these joyful 12- and 15-foot-high sculptures celebrate women, imagination, cultural diversity, and love.
