Subway Announcer: Metropolitan Subway Line! Exit here for MoMA’s Sculpture Garden. Please watch your step.
Narrator: Let’s go! Walk under the Metropolitan gate and look around the Sculpture Garden.
Not all of the museum’s art is in the museum—as you can see, some is out here in the garden. Let’s use our senses to explore this beautiful place.
First, use your eyes. Look up at all the tall buildings. Now look back at the museum. What do you see reflected in the glass walls?
If you look up toward the roof, you’ll see a clear round object with a pointy top—it’s actually a work of art. The artist, Rachel Whiteread, was inspired to make this sculpture by the water towers she saw on rooftops around New York. She likes to make art about places and spaces people don’t always notice. Do you see any real water towers nearby?
Now let’s use our ears. Close your eyes and just listen. What kinds of sounds do you hear? Are they sounds of the city? Maybe car horns, or a siren? People talking? Or are there sounds of nature? Like leaves blowing in the wind, or birds singing. [wondrous] No other mix of sounds will sound exactly like the ones you’re hearing right now.
Feel free to explore the garden some more, and take photos as you look around. Take your time—you can always catch the next train back out!