'The Sphere' – New York, New York - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

'The Sphere'

Manhattan, New York

This sculpture by artist Fritz Keonig survived the 9/11 attacks and now stands as a monument to the victims. 

View all photos
User Submitted
User Submitted
User Submitted
User Submitted
The Sphere with Freedom Tower in the back Jason Michael Walker (Atlas Obscura User)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lazzo13/
2482
1445
Top Places in New York
The original Tammany emblem on the facade.
Tammany Hall
New York, New York
Le Train Bleu Restaurant
New York, New York
James Farley Post Office Museum
New York, New York
 See All

“The Sphere” by Fritz Koenig was originally designed as a work of art that was situated between the Twin Towers in Manhattan in 1971.

The work was inspired by the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque of Mecca and was meant to symbolize peaceful world trade. After the September 11 attack in 2001, the sphere miraculously remained mostly intact, with only minor damage.

After the attacks the sculpture was stored at JFK Airport. Koenig paired up with director Percy Adlon to create a film entitled Koenigs Kugel explaining the creation and history of the sculpture. On March 11th, 2002 The Sphere was relocated to Battery Park and is now recognized as a monument of the victims of 9/11 and is meant to represent America’s strength and resiliency.

In December of 2013, it was moved around 550 feet from where it was originally relocated to a place closer to Castle Clinton to accommodate renovations that were going on at the time. On July 22, 2016, the Port Authority voted to move it yet again to the newly made Liberty Park, where it’s been since September 6, 2017.

spheres monuments
Nearby
Survivor Tree
0.07 miles
The Cross at Ground Zero
0.08 miles
WTC Station 'E' Subway Entrance
0.11 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Survivor Tree
New York, New York

Survivor Tree

The last living thing to come out of the rubble after 9/11 is now a symbol of hope and resilience.
New York, New York

The Cross at Ground Zero

Pulled from the rubble of one of the worst modern tragedies, a steel crossbeam became a symbol of hope for New Yorkers.
Floor and doors
New York, New York

WTC Station 'E' Subway Entrance

A remnant of the original World Trade Center complex continues to serve as a commuter gateway.
The façade of St. George's today
New York, New York

St. George's Syrian Catholic Church

This vacant church in the Financial District was once the heart of New York's first Syrian immigrant community.
Related Places
135 ft Peachoid water tower
Gaffney, South Carolina

Gaffney Peachoid

The record holder for the world’s largest peach.
The Grand Kugel
Richmond, Virginia

The Grand Kugel

This 29-ton granite ball spins around at the slightest touch thanks to a scientific phenomenon.
Merchant Ball
Marion, Ohio

Merchant Ball

This moving cemetery sphere is a slowly rolling stone.
Boys Town, Nebraska

World's Largest Ball of Stamps

An idle pastime becomes a record holder in Boys Town, Nebraska.
Appears in 1 List
9-11 Remembrance Garden
List

11 Places That Honor the Victims of 9/11

Beyond the official memorial, enduring expressions of grief and hope.
Jonathan Carey September 10, 2021
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web