South Cove

South Cove finds art in nature... quite literally.

Part park, part work of art, South Cove is a uniquely designed stretch of the Battery Park Esplanade that was the result of the brilliant collaboration of environmental artist Mary Miss, architect Stanton Eckstut and landscape architect Susan Child in 1988.

Considered one of America's most important pieces of public art, South Cove is comprised of strategically positioned rocks and plantings, a giant curving wooden jetty, a behemoth metal tower that allows visitors a birds'-eye view of the area (a staircase is built into the structure), and ambiance-setting blue lights that dot the waterfront.

It's hard to know exactly what to make of the park/masterwork of public art, but the resulting alcove is calm and quiet -- a great place to escape the din of the city. So if you need some serenity now, South Cove's the ticket.

By Tom