What statue is located in Times Square?
The prominent statue in Times Square is the Käthe Kollwitz Monument, a bronze memorial honoring the German artist and pacifist Käthe Kollwitz (1867–1945). Located at the southern end of Times Square near 45th Street and Broadway, the roughly 8-foot sculpture was created by German sculptor Gustav Seitz and gifted to New York City in 2019. It is the first statue in Times Square to depict a woman and the first to honor an artist. The piece reflects Kollwitz’s themes of protest, empathy, and social justice, and it stands as a notable contrast to the commercial, advertising-focused character of the surrounding square.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Käthe Kollwitz Monument (Käthe Kollwitz statue) | Official NYC Parks and press releases |
| Location | Southern end of Times Square, near 45th Street and Broadway | NYC Public Art and Times Square Alliance |
| Unveiling | November 2019 | NYC Parks, news reports |
| Sculptor | Gustav Seitz | Artist biographies and exhibition records |
| Subject | Käthe Kollwitz (1867–1945), German artist and pacifist | Biographical and art historical sources |
Why is there a statue in Times Square?
The Käthe Kollwitz Monument was installed as part of public art initiatives to diversify representation in prominent civic spaces and to introduce themes of humanitarianism and protest into the high-traffic urban theater of Times Square. It was the first permanent statue in Times Square in decades and marked a deliberate shift toward commemorating culture, history, and social conscience alongside commerce and entertainment. The installation reflects broader conversations about whose stories and values are honored in iconic urban spaces.
Who was Käthe Kollwitz and why does she matter?
Käthe Kollwitz’s life and work
Käthe Kollwitz was a German artist known for her powerful prints, drawings, and sculptures that depict the struggles of working-class people, the trauma of war, and the resilience of communities. Active from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century, she was one of the most prominent graphic artists of her time. Her work often centers on themes of poverty, maternal grief, labor, and anti-militarism. She was the first woman elected to the Prussian Academy of Arts and remains a globally recognized symbol of art as a force for empathy and social change.
Artistic legacy and relevance today
Kollwitz’s legacy endures through her unflinching focus on human dignity and protest. Her works, such as the lithograph cycle “The War” and the sculpture “Mother with Her Dead Son,” continue to resonate in conversations about war, migration, labor rights, and gender equity. The Times Square statue introduces her message to millions of visitors who may be unfamiliar with her art, aligning her pacifist and solidarity-driven message with contemporary movements for justice and accountability.
Key facts at a glance
- The statue is of Käthe Kollwitz, a German artist and pacifist.
- Created by sculptor Gustav Seitz; cast from his original maquette.
- Unveiled in Times Square in November 2019.
- Located at the southern end of Times Square, near 45th Street and Broadway.
- The first statue in Times Square to honor an artist and the first to depict a woman.
- Part of public art efforts to broaden representation in Times Square.
How the statue is maintained and managed
The Käthe Kollwitz Monument is owned by the New York City Parks Department and maintained through the Times Square Alliance, which oversees cleanliness, security, and minor conservation in the area. Because the sculpture is outdoors in a high-traffic, high-humidity urban environment, routine care includes cleaning, inspection for damage, and protective treatments as needed. Major restorations, if required, would involve coordination between the city, the artist’s estate or foundation, and conservation specialists.
Addressing common questions and misconceptions
Is the statue a generic ‘angel’ or ‘woman’?
No. The statue is explicitly identified as Käthe Kollwitz. Although the pensive, seated form may evoke allegorical figures, the artwork is a specific commemoration of a real historical artist and her lifelong advocacy for the marginalized.
Was the statue placed to replace any previous monument?
Not to replace a prior statue of a named individual; it is the first permanent statue in Times Square in many years and represents a new direction toward cultural and thematic memorialization rather than a replacement.
Are there plaques or inscriptions at the base?
Yes. The installation includes interpretive signage that identifies Käthe Kollwitz, the sculptor, and the context of the gift, helping visitors understand both the artwork and its significance to the city’s public art landscape.
Does it have any connection to New York’s German-American community?
The gift is part of broader cultural exchanges and reflects New York’s longstanding German-American heritage. While not a memorial to a local individual, it acknowledges Germany’s contributions to art and humanistic thought.