Rising 27 feet over the north end of the High Line, Tuan Andrew Nguyen's carved-sandstone colossus resurrects one of the Bamiyan Buddhas the Taliban dynamited in 2001 — a quietly monumental act of repair you can walk right up to for free. Set on the elevated Chelsea park amid wildflower plantings and skyline views, it's both a serious artwork and a magnet for photos. Time your visit for late-day light and pair it with a slow stroll down the whole rail line.
What to expect
Expect to find the sculpture on the Plinth at the High Line's Spur near 30th Street and 10th Avenue, framed by the park's grasses and the surrounding Hudson Yards skyline. You can circle it from several angles as you walk the elevated path. A free monthly meditation and lecture series happens at its base through October.
Good to know
- Enter the High Line at 30th St & 10th Ave for the closest access to the Plinth
- It's free and always open during park hours — no ticket required
- Golden hour delivers the best light and photos on the sculpture
- The elevated park has little shade; bring water on hot afternoons
- Walk the full line down to the Whitney end to make an outing of it
- Weekday mornings are far less crowded than weekend afternoons
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Common questions
Is it free to see?
Yes, the High Line and its Plinth commission are completely free to visit during park hours.
Where exactly is it?
On the Plinth at the High Line Spur, near 30th Street and 10th Avenue in West Chelsea.
How long is it on view?
The commission is installed through fall 2027, so it's up all this summer.
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