'Fearless Girl' New York
Wall Street History
Around noon on September 16, 1920, a horse drawn cart containing 500 pounds of iron shrapnel and 100 pounds of TNT exploded outside the JP Morgan bank at 23 Wall Street instantly obliterating 30 people on the sidewalk less than 25 feet way. Ultimately, 40 died.
It was suggested that the event was attributable to radical opponents of capitalism (though no individual person was ever held to account), an act of defiance the kind of which, sadly, cannot be unexpected even now. Shrapnel scars on the walls of the bank were purposefully not repaired by the Morgan bank's owner and remain to this day.
Right around the corner on Broad Street, facing the New York Stock Exchange building stands a bronze sculpture named Fearless Girl (Kristen Visbal, 2017) which exudes bravery, pride and strength but not, according to the artist, 'defiance'.
But defiant she looks, and neither more nor less than the teenage dancer ('Little Dancer'—La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans —1880) created by Edgar Degas in 1880 who so closely resembles her.
Both are young and appear to innocently and inspiringly defy that which—as children—the viewer can imagine each faces: authority, curriculum and a forced choice between determinism and free will.
What they will do in their future as imaginary adults is the question prompted in the first place just by their existence, and what we will do in our own is the question prompted in the second.
So there they be, two acts of defiance, around the corner from each other.
Ars longa, vita brevis.
About this spot
23 Wall Street, New York, NY, USA
- 247
US$
free
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Monumental Women
Central Park Monument Representing Real Women
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Der Krung
Best Thai spot in town
"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
by
Christian
Neely
Apthorp Cleaners
Barbies, Barbies, Barbies
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Taco Mix
Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dinastia
Cuban - Chinese
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Studio Museum in Harlem
Artists of color
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Stand Up NY
UWS Comedy Club
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
NYC Pride March
The Greatest Show on Earth!
This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
American Folk Art Museum
Free recitals
The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
