Not far from Ground Zero, the Battery Park City neighborhood in lower Manhattan has greatly changed in the years since 9/11.
Irish Hunger Memorial wall brickwork
The Alliance for Downtown New York now provides a free shuttle bus, making it incredibly convenient to enjoy the restaurants, endless activities, and green spaces encompassed within the bustling districts of lower Manhattan.
Irish Hunger Memorial Interior Photo © Alice Joyce
I stepped off a shuttle bus at an unexpected stop, catching sight of a poignantly composed green sward.
Designed by artist Brian Tolle, with landscape architect Gail Wittwer-Laird among the project’s team, The Irish Hunger Memorial commemorates the famine of the mid-1880s, and at the same time, raises awareness for all who face hunger in the world today.
Irish Hunger Memorial Photo © Alice Joyce
An authentic stone cottage from County Mayo is incorporated into the transformative, cantilevered terrain of the 1/2-acre site, where the pathways wind through a landscape planted with native species from Ireland.
Irish Hunger Memorial Wall Detail Photo © Alice Joyce
An architectural expanse of Irish limestone and glass reveals layers of text, bringing to light and involving the visitor in a commentary spanning historical and contemporary issues.
Irish Hunger Memorial Building Photo © Alice Joyce
At the Memorial’s high point, a vista frames the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island in the distance.
The garden’s effect is luminous yet subdued: A potent reminder.
The Memorial is located at Vesey Street and North End Avenue.
Visit the Battery Park city Parks Conservancy web site for a map and directions: www.bpcparks.org
This is new to me, thanks for posting this Alice. A little bit of Ireland in NY. Am going to share this on my Facebook page now. :)
Sunny,
Delighted it’s of interest to you. I’m always fascinated by your work and your postings!