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The Needle of Snelson
COMMENTS
Cruising said at 6:24 p.m. on Mar 1, 2007:
Just an awesome structure. Where is this and "what" is this?
Roygoodwin said at 6:30 p.m. on Mar 1, 2007:
Love to see this in person some day!
Gerardfotografeert said at 6:38 p.m. on Mar 1, 2007:
Kenneth Snelson
American, born Pendleton, Oregon, 1927

Needle Tower, 1968
Aluminum and stainless steel
720 x 243-1/2 x 213-3/8 in. (1828.8 x 618.5 x 541.8 cm)

Gift of Joseph H. Hirshhorn, 1974 (74.4)


Kenneth Snelson conceived and built Needle Tower in 1968 as part of his exhibition of five monumental sculptures in New York's Bryant Park. In these works, he adapted engineering principles and mathematical calculations to create a new kind of tensile structure.

Instead of the solid mass and weight traditionally expected of monumental sculptures, the tapered, five-story-high Needle Tower is made from aviation-quality aluminum tubes and stainless-steel wire, making it lightweight enough for three installers to lift. The tubes are held together in perfect balance by a single continuous wire threaded through two small holes in the ends of each. The tower rests only on the thin rims of three tubes, yet the structure is so well designed that it withstands severe storms.

While the technology is fascinating, the sculpture also conveys a metaphysical message. Snelson's idea evolved from a fantasy he had of constructing a gossamer tensile structure so tall and finely tapered that the top point would seem to disappear into infinity. Standing directly under the sculpture and looking up, the viewer discovers that the tubes form the shape of a star, inspiring the astrophysical, astrological, and religious associations of that symbol, while heightening the sense of perpetuity.

Adapted from text written by Valerie J. Fletcher.
Floridamolle said at 6:46 p.m. on Mar 1, 2007:
Great pictures, awesome angles
Mashpee_Paula said at 7:52 p.m. on Mar 1, 2007:
WOW! Fascinating pictures ~ thanks for the information too! :)
Pkeener said at 8:47 p.m. on Mar 1, 2007:
YES!!!
Chetty said at 3:18 a.m. on Mar 2, 2007:
Super en bedankt voor de informatie. Ik had hem ook al ingestuurd. Die van jou is sterker. Groetjes, Hetty
Artingrid said at 4:44 a.m. on Mar 3, 2007:
Great shots and thanks for background info.
Anjad said at 5:44 a.m. on Mar 4, 2007:
Geweldige foto's Gerard. Dankbaar object om te fotograferen. Bedankt voor de info.
Decoy said at 11:59 a.m. on Sep 1, 2007:
Very nice! =)
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