The tranquility of walking into Pratt’s Sculpture Garden is invaluable. Heavy bags, stroller, and kids in tow, I have gone though the tall iron gates so many times, feeling immediately refreshed at the threshold. It’s a parent’s sanctuary in the traffic-filled haze of New York City. Clinton Hill’s gem and rarified secret. I reached out to the people at Pratt, including Jolene Travis, Director of Media Relations and Content Strategy to ask some questions and learn more. There is a majesty about the campus, which transcends it from most other school grounds I’ve been on (which are plenty). Here are the answers I received:
~Rebecca Conroy
What is the history of the Pratt Sculpture Garden? When was it constructed?
The Sculpture Park was developed by Pratt President Thomas F. Schutte as part of the campus beautification effort he began more than 20 years ago. The park grew out of the suggestion by Bruce Gitlin, who is now Chair of Pratt’s Board of Trustees, to display the metal Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture fabricated by Gitlin’s firm MILGO/BUFKIN.
Has it always been open to the public?
Pratt Institute’s campus, which includes the Sculpture Park, is private property that has been made accessible to the public for the purpose of providing a pass-through for pedestrian traffic. Public access is permitted from the hours of 7 AM- 7 PM, Monday-Sunday.
It is also important to note that media outlets, including print, broadcast, and electronic press venues, are not permitted on campus without permission from the Office of Communications and Marketing (all approved media opportunities need to be staff/escorted by a member of the Office as well).
Cathey Billian
Are some of the sculptures permanent? If so, which ones?
The Sculpture Park is an ongoing exhibition, where the work is revolving and evolving, with most of the work remaining on campus for several years. The works are all on loan.
Is there a list somewhere of sculptures that are on display there? I noticed some new ones last week (kind of strips of colors woven into large frames) that I hadn’t seen before
Because the work is an evolving and rotating exhibition, we have signage near each piece, rather than a list of sculptures on display.
Are all sculptures done by Pratt graduates?
No, well-known and emerging artists, faculty, and graduates kindly loan their work to the exhibition. The sculptors often visit the campus to choose specific sites for their work.
Noel Copeland
What makes the space special, in your opinion?
Pratt Institute’s Sculpture Park is a unique place where you will find the intersection of historic architecture and forward-thinking artwork. Crossing through the Park to arrive at my office on Myrtle Avenue is one of the highlights of my day. To see the manicured lawn and its array of delicate flowers juxtaposed large-scaled works made out of treated metal, it reminds me of the interesting contradictions and intersections of art, design, and architecture and why I am here.
Allan Wexler
What hours is it open from and until, and on what days?
Pratt Institute’s Sculpture Park is open 7AM- 7 PM, Monday– Sunday and provides public access to the campus.
Who chooses the sculptures that go into the garden?
The Institute’s Sculpture Park is curated by David Weinrib, adjunct professor, School of Art.
Avital Oz
What makes it so peaceful?
I believe that the many tall trees transform the space and, quite often, I forget that I’m in New York City’s fastest growing borough, Brooklyn. Also, it is important to note that a feeling of intimacy can be experienced, in my opinion, because it is not over-crowded, which is an important part of preserving what is special about the Sculpture Park.