Can You Find This Avant-Garde Artwork Hidden In Times Square?

Times Square is perhaps the world’s most famous intersection, the zenith of commercialism defined by flashing billboards (advertising everything from the latest Netflix original to Kardashian-endorsed jeans), pulsing music, the signature red steps, big-brand stores squashed between those flouting kitschy souvenir shops, and an eclectic mix of Elmos, Incredible Hulks and Princess Elsas eager to draw tourists in to pose with them for a (generously tipped) photograph. But what you might not expect is that Times Square is also a hidden home to avant-garde art.

Max Neuhaus’s modestly titled Times Square is a sound installation located beneath a grate on a pedestrian island at Broadway under 45th and 46th streets.

Often nicknamed “The Hum,” Times Square is a never-ending loop of droning, out-of-this-world noises. Imagine a didgeridoo or the lonely whistle inside a subway station combined with the rattling of machinery, and you’ll be in the right ballpark. Tourists can only stumble upon the piece if they listen carefully enough to distinguish the white noise of the subway rumbles, taxi horns, and shrieks of delight that define Times Square.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNnZdI3j3fa/?taken-by=zoeblackbird

For fans of Neuhaus, who was born in Texas in 1939 and died in Italy in 2009, this installation won’t come as a surprise. The artist had a rich history with music, having toured American and Europe in the early ’60s as a percussion soloist. He even invented several early electro-acoustic instruments before creating multiple, anonymous sound projects. Neuhaus dotted his sound pieces around New York City in places like the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), Jay Street subway station, Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and The Clocktower. More of his creations appeared overseas in countries such as Austria, Italy, France, and Germany. In all locations, Neuhaus hoped his work, which focuses on the sense of sound, would add a new dimension to a visitor’s experience and help define the space in a different way.

Max Neuhaus was the innovative artist behind “Times Square”

And so Times Square lies, ready and waiting for those who are willing to discover it. It sits in plain sight – or rather, plain sound – under an almost unavoidable section of pathway, yet only a tiny portion of people each day will notice it. For those who do, it’s a personal revelation that will add a unique flavor to their time in New York. Will you be one of them?

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.