Reclining Figure

Reclining Figure New York City: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: Discovering Reclining Figure—A Modern Icon in New York City

New York City boasts a dynamic landscape of public art that both reflects its cultural diversity and makes world-class art accessible to all. Among its most celebrated outdoor sculptures is Henry Moore’s “Reclining Figure,” a monumental bronze work that has been a fixture at Lincoln Center since 1965. This sculpture is a paradigm of Moore’s mature style—abstract yet organic, it explores the relationship between the human body and natural forms, creating a contemplative oasis amid the city’s bustle. Set in the Paul Milstein Pool and Terrace, the work’s integration with water and urban architecture provides a unique sensory experience, with shifting light and reflections animating its textured surfaces throughout the day (Henry Moore Foundation; Curbed NY; Wikipedia).

Beyond Lincoln Center, another notable “Reclining Figure” by Moore graces Bryant Park. This version, smaller and more intimate, allows visitors to interact closely with the sculpture’s flowing forms, set against the vibrant backdrop of one of Manhattan’s most beloved green spaces. The park’s proximity to cultural landmarks like the New York Public Library and the Museum of Modern Art makes it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike (Bryant Park Official Website; Henry Moore Foundation).

Adding a playful contemporary twist, Zaq Landsberg’s “Reclining Liberty” reimagines the Statue of Liberty in a relaxed pose. Initially displayed in Morningside Park and now present in Red Hook, Brooklyn, with a permanent site in Staten Island, this interactive piece invites visitors to physically engage with public art, embodying the city’s ongoing commitment to creativity and community (Andrew Logan Projects; Secret NYC).

This guide provides detailed insights into the history, artistic significance, practical visiting information, and travel tips for exploring these remarkable sculptures, ensuring an engaging and enriching experience for every visitor.

Introduction
Henry Moore: Early Life and Artistic Foundations
The War Years and Public Commissions
International Recognition and the Reclining Figure Motif
Reclining Figure at Lincoln Center: Commission and Creation
Artistic Significance and Style
Visiting Lincoln Center’s Reclining Figure: Hours, Tickets, and Tips
Reception and Legacy
Bryant Park’s Reclining Figure: Visitor Guide
Reclining Liberty: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Summary: Key Information & Nearby Attractions
References & Further Reading

Henry Moore: Early Life and Artistic Foundations

Henry Moore, born in 1898 in Castleford, Yorkshire, England, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century. Following his service in World War I, Moore pursued formal art education at Leeds School of Art and later the Royal College of Art in London, supported by an ex-serviceman’s grant. During these years, he absorbed inspiration from classical antiquity and non-Western art—particularly pre-Columbian, African, and Oceanic forms—which would profoundly shape his style (Henry Moore Foundation). Moore’s early works established key motifs—especially the reclining figure and mother-and-child themes—characterized by organic abstraction and a fascination with the interplay of internal and external forms.

The War Years and Public Commissions

World War II marked a period of transition in Moore’s practice. Scarcity of materials and limited commissions shifted his focus to drawing, resulting in the evocative “Shelter Drawings” that captured Londoners seeking refuge during the Blitz. These works solidified Moore’s reputation and led to his appointment as an official war artist (Henry Moore Foundation). After relocating to Perry Green following his Hampstead home’s destruction, Moore resumed sculpture, prioritizing public commissions and accessible, humanistic subjects—most notably the 1943 “Madonna and Child” for St. Matthew’s Church, Northampton.

International Recognition and the Reclining Figure Motif

By the late 1940s and 1950s, Moore had achieved international acclaim, with retrospectives such as the 1946 Museum of Modern Art exhibition in New York and the International Prize for Sculpture at the 1948 Venice Biennale (Henry Moore Foundation). During this period, his sculptures grew in scale and abstraction, exploring the metaphorical links between the human figure and the landscape. The reclining figure motif became central to his exploration of form and space, culminating in large-scale bronzes designed for public settings.

Reclining Figure at Lincoln Center: Commission and Creation

The “Reclining Figure” at Lincoln Center was commissioned in the early 1960s as part of the center’s initiative to integrate significant modern artworks into its new performing arts complex. Moore was asked to create a site-specific piece for the reflecting pool (now the Paul Milstein Pool and Terrace) adjacent to David Geffen Hall. Notably, this was the only Moore sculpture designed specifically for installation in water (Curbed NY; Flickr). Completed between 1961 and 1965, the sculpture measures about 16 feet in length and features dynamic, organic forms intended to contrast with the geometric architecture of Lincoln Center. Its placement in the pool evokes natural landforms and invites contemplation of humanity’s connection to the natural world.

Artistic Significance and Style

Moore’s “Reclining Figure” at Lincoln Center exemplifies his mature approach: abstract yet rooted in recognizable human forms, monumental yet inviting close inspection. The sculpture’s rough-textured bronze surface and interplay of solid and voids create an ever-changing experience as sunlight and reflections animate its contours (Flickr). The reclining pose, a recurring motif in Moore’s oeuvre, represents themes of repose, contemplation, and the continuity between humanity and nature.

Visiting Lincoln Center’s Reclining Figure: Hours, Tickets, and Tips

Visiting Hours & Accessibility

Hours: The Paul Milstein Pool and Terrace is open daily from dawn until dusk.
Admission: Free—no ticket required.
Accessibility: The area is wheelchair accessible, with smooth walkways and nearby benches for resting.

Directions & Parking

Subway: 1, A, B, C, and D trains to 66th Street–Lincoln Center or 59th Street–Columbus Circle.
Bus: Multiple MTA bus routes stop nearby.
Parking: Several parking garages are located in the area, though spaces may be limited during peak times.

Nearby Attractions

While at Lincoln Center, explore cultural landmarks such as the Metropolitan Opera House, New York Philharmonic, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Central Park is a short walk away, offering further leisure and sightseeing opportunities.

Photography & Events

Photography is permitted and encouraged. For dramatic images, visit during early morning or late afternoon. Lincoln Center occasionally offers guided art tours that include the sculpture; check the official website for details.

Reception and Legacy

Since its unveiling in 1965, Moore’s “Reclining Figure” has become a defining feature of Lincoln Center and a cornerstone of New York’s public art landscape (Curbed NY). It continues to be celebrated for its harmonious integration with the site and its ability to evoke universal themes through abstraction, reinforcing the role of public art in civic life.

Bryant Park’s Reclining Figure: Visitor Guide

Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Location: Bryant Park, Manhattan—easily accessible via subway (B, D, F, M, 7, S to 42nd Street–Bryant Park).
Hours: Open daily, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Admission: Free.
Accessibility: Paved pathways and ramps ensure full wheelchair access.

Artistic & Cultural Significance

Moore’s “Reclining Figure” at Bryant Park demonstrates the artist’s exploration of the reclining human form through abstraction. Its gentle curves and negative spaces invite viewers to reflect on the connection between body and landscape, symbolizing rest, fertility, and timelessness.

Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions

Best Visiting Times: Early morning or late afternoon for optimal light and fewer crowds.
Nearby Attractions: New York Public Library, Times Square, and the Museum of Modern Art.
Photography: Excellent opportunities thanks to the sculpture’s form and the park’s greenery.

Reclining Liberty: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

History, Locations & Visitor Info

Zaq Landsberg’s “Reclining Liberty” offers a modern, interactive take on New York’s most famous symbol. The sculpture is currently exhibited at Andrew Logan Projects in Red Hook, Brooklyn, with a permanent installation in Staten Island.

Red Hook (Andrew Logan Projects):
- Address: 384 Van Brunt Street
- Hours: Wednesday–Friday 2:00–8:00 pm; Saturday–Sunday 12:00–8:00 pm; additional hours by appointment
- Admission: Free (Andrew Logan Projects Official Website)
Staten Island (Permanent Installation):
- Address: 1441 South Avenue
- Hours: Accessible during daylight
- Admission: Free

Practical Tips

Accessibility: Both sites are wheelchair accessible; Red Hook has step-free, street-level access.
Public Transit: Red Hook is served by F/G subways (about 20–25 minutes’ walk), B61 bus, and NYC Ferry (South Brooklyn route). Staten Island is accessible via the Staten Island Railway and local buses.
Facilities: Restrooms available at Red Hook; limited at Staten Island. Seating is minimal—bring a blanket or portable chair if desired.
Interaction: Visitors are encouraged to touch, lounge, and photograph the sculpture, making it ideal for families.

Safety & Health Guidelines

Children: Should be supervised while interacting with the artwork.
Pets: Leashed pets generally allowed at outdoor sites.
COVID-19: Most restrictions have lifted, but check official websites for current guidelines.

Summary: Key Information & Nearby Attractions

The “Reclining Figure” sculptures at Lincoln Center and Bryant Park exemplify the best of modern public art—accessible, thought-provoking, and deeply connected to New York’s cultural identity. Both locations offer free admission and are fully accessible to visitors. Zaq Landsberg’s “Reclining Liberty” injects a contemporary, interactive spirit into the city’s art scene. Together, these works highlight New York’s ongoing embrace of creativity, history, and civic engagement (Henry Moore Foundation; Curbed NY; Andrew Logan Projects).

For the best experience, plan your visit during off-peak hours, explore nearby cultural sites, and take advantage of public art tours when available. Share your photos and impressions using #RecliningFigureNYC, and stay updated by downloading the Audiala app.