‘Humans of New York’ photo exhibit takes over Grand Central
All photos courtesy of Ahmed Gaber for Dear New York
One of the most famous photography projects in the world has taken over Grand Central Terminal. This week, Brandon Stanton of “Humans of New York,” the long-running online portrait series featuring the stories of everyday New Yorkers, opened the installation “Dear New York,” a sweeping “love letter” to the city. The exhibit includes 50-foot-tall photographs from the Humans of New York portfolio displayed across the terminal, including the main concourse, the subway station, Vanderbilt Hall, and 150 digital screens. The two-week installation is on view through October 19.
The installation is a continuation of Stanton’s beloved “Humans of New York” project, which he began in 2010, initially setting out to photograph 10,000 New Yorkers across the city. What started as a blog to showcase and sell his work has since achieved global fame, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of city dwellers.
The project also accompanies Stanton’s upcoming book, “Dear New York,” a 500-page collection of portraits and stories styled after “Humans of New York.”
“New York is humanity itself. Every type of person is here—every ethnicity, every culture, every religion, every viewpoint. And somehow, despite the honking, the yelling, the shoving, we find a way to make it work,” Stanton said. “In a world that seems to be on fire, New York provides a reason for hope.”
He added: “Dear New York, is a living, breathing immersive art installation staged in the one place where the entire city comes together—Grand Central. It is a love letter to the people of this city, and about the people of this city. Everyone who visits Dear New York will not only see the art, they will become a part of it.”
Emmy-winning designer David Korins, known for his work on “Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “Immersive Van Gogh,” served as the installation’s creative director of experience, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
“This is the largest public work the city has seen since The Gates, and in some ways ever, speaking to every walk of life and every kind of person,” Korins said.
“There is no entrance fee. No elitism. It is for all of us and made of us. Humbly and simply, holding a mirror up to society and acknowledging we are human. It is my belief that we have an opportunity here to change peoples’ lives, immediately, and perhaps permanently.”
The sprawling subway installation, the largest physical use of space in the subway’s history, was created in collaboration with Andrew Trabucco-Campos, creative director of design for “Dear New York.”
The funds Stanton earned from “Dear New York” are financing the installation, and any additional book proceeds will be donated to local charities.
During the installation’s two-week run, Juilliard students, faculty, and alumni are performing over 100 combined hours on a grand piano in the concourse. Featured performers hail from the school’s classical, jazz, historical performance, and collaborative piano programs.
An accompanying community art showcase is also on display in the station’s Vanderbilt Hall, featuring work from local artists and more than 600 NYC public school students, who were selected through an open call.
“New York City is a place where every voice matters and every student’s story deserves to be seen and heard,” NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said.
“We are proud to provide all of our young artists with the space to shine and share their perspectives through photography and visual storytelling.”
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