Monira Al Qadiri
First Sun, 2025.
Cast aluminum, steel, automotive paint; patinated brass pedestal
Courtesy of the artist
Photo: Nicholas Knight, courtesy of Public Art Fund, NY.
Monira Al Qadiri: First Sun was co-commissioned by Public Art Fund and Lassonde Art Trail and presented at Doris C. Freedman Plaza, New York City, Sept 3, 2025 – Aug 2, 2026 and Lassonde Art Trail, Toronto, ON, Sept 10, 2026 – Sept 2027
The plaza at the southeastern entrance to Central Park was dedicated in 1981 to Doris C. Freedman, Public Art Fund’s founder. Located at a major entrance to the Park and in a busy part of Midtown, the Plaza is a prominent location for encounters with new art, and since the 1970s, has been home to a rotating program of temporary exhibitions organized by Public Art Fund.
The artwork can be experienced during all opening hours.
Now on view at 14th Street/8th Ave MTA Station Originally presented at Doris C. Freedman Plaza
On Permanent View — Installed November 01, 1995
Getting There
Entrances
North entrance from Central Park Zoo, or South entrance from Grand Army Plaza
Subways
N, R, W to 5th Avenue; 4, 5, 6 to 59th Street/Lexington Avenue
Parking
Private paid parking lots are nearby.
Site Features
Free Wi-Fi
No
Touch Allowed
Yes
Picnic Friendly
Yes
Restrooms
Yes The nearest public restrooms at Heckscher Playground and Chess & Checkers House are 11 minutes walk away from Doris C. Freedman Plaza. Open 7:30am–Dusk. Wheelchair accessible and with an all-gender option.
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes All park entrances and pathways are accessible. All lawns have accessible entrances at grade.