From the Rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Photo by myself at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

A nest made purely of bamboo has invaded the roof of the Met.

Now until the end of October, this sculpture is on display overlooking Central Park. It is inhabitable, too - stairways and ramps are constructed within the 100-foot length, where visitors can go for guided tours.

The sculpture is made of interlocking bamboo poles lashed together with elasticized nylon, and was conceived as a work in progress. Its form will morph over the course of the installation and spread east. The sheltered space underneath is used for people to mill about or stand on line for drinks.


Below the sculpture, small groups of people convene in the shade.


Stairs and ramps are built into the structure.


The sculpture looks like a bird's nest from the outside.


Lights are discretely strung up for nighttime illumination.

The roof of the Met is a popular spot for drinks on Fridays, since it is open until 9 pm. The view is incredibly romantic, since you can see the sun setting and the expanse of Central Park.

While waiting in line at the bar, I noticed people hanging onto the poles. Bamboo is known for its remarkable strength, and is routinely used in tropical countries as scaffolding material. Despite its chaotic form and height, the sculpture seems in no danger of collapse.

The wonderful thing about this sculpture are the spaces it creates. I have seen this installation from afar, and it doesn't look like much, just a heap of sticks. Up close and within, it's a different story.

Thankfully, the designers left the gorgeous view of the Park unobstructed.


The spectacular view southward through Central Park.

For more about the exhibit, visit the Met website here.

Related posts: East (Side) Versus West (Side), On View, from the Upper East Side and Another View at the New Museum, The Bowery.