The Return of Spring, Jack Beal New York
Subway art 7
MTA Times Square Station Art
I'm fascinated by this mosaic mural because the face of the man pictured reminds me of two things: Aaron Copland's 'Appalachian Spring' and Wayne Gretzky. Actually, I think it is 'The Great One', meaning that Beal must be a hockey fan.
Despite the statuesque stillness of its characters (throughout the two murals), its juxtaposition and range of colours reinforce the hurricane of energy that flies by them. After all, the Times Square Station (made up of four stations above, below and next to one another) accommodates about 64,500,000 riders a year.
There are two murals, facing each other across a busy corridor. I rarely see people stop to observe. In fact, in my experience, I'd say people never stop, so when I do, I have to stand well out of the way.
Because of the low station ceilings, the means to properly light all of the artwork are severely restricted, hence it is difficult to see an entire piece without the glare and reflections of its lighting.
Located in the IRT West Side Line mezzanine.
About 20' by 7' high.
There are five other installations in this station, one each by Jacob Lawrence, Jane Dickson, Toby Buonagurio, Blackford and Fisher and Roy Lichenstein, and it is a challenge to find them all.
(That face belongs to Wayne Gretzky!)
About this spot
191 West 42nd Street
- 24 hours daily
US$
no-price
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
The Pythian Temple
R&R Shrine
"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin
Subway art 13
"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Saiguette
Vietnamese counter/takeout
I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rucker Park
NBA caliber street basketball
"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Whirls and Twirls (MTA), Sol LeWitt
Subway art 3
The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Portraits, Chuck Close
Subway art 1
I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Music Inn
Instruments, custom & stock
"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Di Fara, Brooklyn
Pizza 1
"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
New York in Transit, Jacob Lawrence
Subway art 8
"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Revelers, Jane Dickson
Subway art 6
"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Joe's, West Village
Pizza 3
Joe's Pizza in West Village, New York qualifies as a real pizza joint: no tables, no chairs, no bathroom and really long lines. It's getting more popular.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Temple of Dendur
The Met Museum 3
The Roman/Egyptian "Temple of Dendur" in the Met Museum in New York is from 15BC. But what's more interesting to me is how it came to be hosted here...
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:
