“What’s so Funny About Peace Love and Understanding” by Adam Cvijanovic

This week, we visited the recently dedicated mural “What’s so Funny About Peace Love and Understanding” at the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the heart of New York City, a work named in reference to the song popularized by Elvis Costello. Created by Brooklyn-based artist Adam Cvijanovic, the mural marks the first major art commission at the cathedral since 1949.

Standing at roughly 21 feet tall and comprised of four segments that frame the cathedral's entrance, the mural is a sweeping visual narrative. It depicts the arrival of immigrants to New York City in the 19th century and today, alongside powerful imagery of first responders and traditional Catholic iconography.

Cvijanovic’s work is an artistic feat that seamlessly blends Catholic tradition with American pluralism. Drawing inspiration from Baroque drama, Byzantine iconography, and modernist abstraction, the mural honors the diversity of New York and the immigrants who have shaped the city’s identity. This vibrant addition to St. Patrick’s Cathedral is both a spiritual and civic celebration, one that will continue to inspire for generations to come.

The Mosaic House

Tucked away on a charming, tree-lined street in the artsy neighborhood of Cobble Hill Brooklyn, one house instantly captures your attention. Among rows of classic brownstones, this home dazzles with a vibrant display of tiles, beads, shells, and gems, turning its façade into a joyful, eye-popping mosaic masterpiece. The Mosaic House is a beloved neighborhood treasure that’s as much a local icon as it is a delightful surprise for visitors. As a result of the diligent work of artist Susan Gardner, who started pasting things on the walls of her house in 2001, every inch of the home’s exterior tells a story, blending colorful elements into a whimsical scavenger hunt that brings smiles to everyone who passes by. Look closely and you’ll spot inspiring messages like “Celebrate Hope” and “Celebrate Life” amongst the images of nature and humanity crafted by Gardner. These words, combined with the house’s joyful design, radiate positivity and creativity. Whether you're in the neighborhood or intentionally seeking it out, the Mosaic House is sure to brighten your day. Let it be a reminder to celebrate the little things, embrace everyday beauty, and always keep an eye out for the hidden gems around you.

“San Juan Heal” by Nina Chanel Abney

Lincoln Center, renowned for its world-class performances, is now showcasing its vibrant artistic side to the public with no ticket required. Outside David Geffen Hall, the home of the New York Philharmonic, a bold graphic façade wraps the building, transforming its exterior into a vibrant tapestry of vivid colors, dynamic patterns, and striking imagery that brings the energy of the arts into the streets.  “San Juan Heal” by Nina Chanel Abney, who previously shared some “NYC LOVE”  with us,  pays tribute to what existed before the urban renewal project that transformed 16.3 acres of the San Juan Hill neighborhood into Lincoln Center: a culturally rich, densely populated, working-class community. Within the piece, you’ll find glimpses of those who once called this area home, including jazz and bebop legends like James P. Johnson and Thelonious Monk, dedicated schoolteachers, and pioneering healthcare workers such as Edith Carter and Elizabeth Tyler. Through vivid colors, graphic shapes, and bold typography, “San Juan Heal” reclaims this important history and invites New Yorkers to remember the rich cultural spirit that still resonates throughout the neighborhood.

The Sun King Dreams of Peace

In between some exciting tennis matches and the summer heat kicking in, we took a little detour to London’s beautiful Berkeley Square —and we’re so glad we did. Nestled among the greenery is “The Sun King Dreams of Peace” a breathtaking sculpture by the incredibly talented free carver, Emily Young which captures the essence of celestial deities. Crafted from Giallo di Siena stone, this piece practically glows in the sunlight, reminding us to slow down and reconnect, both with nature and with one another. Ms. Young’s work always carries a deeper message, and this sculpture is no exception. While the exact reference of the golden head is open to interpretation, the sculpture serves as a beacon of hope, evoking light, beauty, and a sense of peace amid the hustle of the city. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or just someone looking for a quiet moment in the park, this piece is worth a visit. We left feeling refreshed and inspired—and we hope you do too!

Foot Fountain (pink) by Mika Rottenberg

As you know, we love covering the ever-changing art installations on The High Line. However,  when “Foot Fountain (pink)” by Mika Rottenberg first stepped onto the scene in April, we weren’t exactly sure if we wanted to feature it. Now months have gone by and we just can’t turn away from the pink foot statue, finding ourselves frequently intrigued by the display. We thought that it was time to share, especially with the hot days of summer approaching. The ten foot sculpture doubles as a fountain spouting out water from the top which Rottenberg explains saying, “on the High Line, instead of nurturing the well-tended gardens, I thought it should nurture and cool passersby on hot days, and share some of its overenthusiastic spirit!” Luckily when we snapped this photo the foot didn’t spray us, but we imagine on a really hot summer’s day one might actually find some relief in the foot’s spray. The sculpture will be on display until May 2026, if you find yourself on the High Line you can’t miss it!

“The Sun Is a Flame That Haunts The Night” by Tai Shani

We were walking through New York’s Chelsea neighborhood recently when we looked up to see a glowing candle, lighting our way. The mysterious light is part of the new art installation on the High Line, “The Sun Is a Flame That Haunts The Night” by Tai Shani. For this piece, Shani drew upon one of her recurring motifs, candlesticks, to create cartoon-like sculptures which glow at night. Though candles usually drip and melt, reminding us of the passing of time, these candles stay the same, unchanging on the High Line. The installation will light up the Highline through March 2026. We recommend art lovers catch these beautiful sculptures at night when they’re aglow.

“Fragile Giants” by Michel Bassompierre

Photos by Misia Delgado

Park Avenue has been taken over by a slew of “Fragile Giants.” The installation by artist Michel Bassompierre features the artist’s signature playful animals cast in bronze, welcoming all who stroll down the street. The sculptures were unveiled this May for Park Avenue Day, and will be on display for the next year through May 2026. Visitors can see these cuddly creatures on Park Avenue between 34th and 38th streets.

“Infinite Accumulation” by Yayoi Kusama

We can never get enough of Yayoi Kusama’s polka dot centric work, and after years of visiting her exhibitions across the world in Melbourne, London, Rockaway, and Chelsea, we were delighted to catch another sighting of Kusama’s work in London. “Infinite Accumulation” sits next to the Liverpool Street Station, captivating travelers with its interconnected silver dots. The glimmering steel sculpture is over ten meters high, with surfaces so shiny viewers can catch themselves in the reflection. Kusama’s inspiration for the piece came from the city of London itself, as she explained “London is a massive metropolis with people of all cultures moving constantly. The spheres symbolize unique personalities while the supporting curvilinear lines allow us to imagine an underpinning social structure.” Art lovers simply must hop off the tube to see Kusama’s first permanent London installation in person!

“The Creation of the Creatures of Day and Night” by Rosana Paulino

The High Line is one of our favorite places to explore New York’s public art offerings, and the newest mural at 22nd street is no exception. “The Creation of the Creatures of Day and Night” by Rosana Paulino depicts two tree-women who stem from the mangrove trees common in Paulino’s native Brazil. The artist’s work draws a parallel between the Mangrove trees, which provide a crucial ecosystem in Brazil, and the black and indigenous population of Brazil; both of which have been historically mistreated and exploited. This complex history of the Brazilian biome is embodied in Paulino’s mural of the mangrove tree-women, who offer a striking sense of strength, embodying the crucial role the mangroves play. The stunning mural will be part of The High Line’s fauna and flora through December 2025.

“Le Petit Prince” by Jean-Marc de Pas

Photos by Misia Delgado

Since his story was first published in 1943, Le Petit Prince, or The Little Prince, has travelled across the world and delighted readers. His story, originally written by French author Antoine de Saint Exupéry, has been translated into hundreds of languages and is one of the best-selling books in history. Now, through the work of sculptor Jean-Marc de Pas, the Little Prince has come to reside in New York City, (we presume through G visa status if we had to guess, although we didn’t do the visa application). A bronze sculpture of the character sits on a ledge outside the Villa Albertine, a historic French bookstore on the Upper East Side and headquarters of the cultural services of the French Embassy of the U.S. The statue of the whimsical young prince invites viewers to take a moment to pause, sit, and reflect on life as he reminds us “it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”