“The Gates” Augmented Reality Experience

Twenty years after its iconic debut, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Gates will return to New York City’s Central Park—this time, in augmented reality (AR). The original installation, unveiled in February 2005, transformed 23 miles of the park’s pathways with 7,305 saffron-colored fabric gates, creating a vibrant public art experience. To mark its anniversary, the immersive AR recreation will allow visitors to step back into this moment of artistic history starting Feb. 12.

To experience the installation, visitors need only a smartphone and the Bloomberg Connects app. The AR experience will be accessible in Central Park between East 72nd Street and Cherry Hill, bringing the iconic gates back to life digitally. The free app, which can be downloaded online, will serve as the gateway to this unique blend of art and technology.

Alongside the AR experience, an exhibition titled Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City will open at The Shed on the same date. The exhibit will explore not only the legacy of The Gates but also other visionary projects the artists conceptualized for the city.

Augmented reality, a technology that seamlessly merges virtual elements with the real world, will allow viewers to see the dramatic saffron gates in their original location as if they were there. This innovative approach ensures the spirit of The Gates endures, offering a fresh way for new generations to engage with Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s groundbreaking work.