Alamo

Alamo is a monumental weathering steel sculpture at Astor Place in Manhattan, presenting itself as a large black cube roughly 15 feet (4.5 meters) on each side. The cube rests on one corner and can be rotated around a central axis through the combined physical effort of several people.

The sculpture was installed in 1967 as part of a temporary city art program and was originally meant to stay only a few weeks. Following advocacy from local residents, it received permanent placement and has since shaped the streetscape at this intersection.

The sculpture takes its name from the Texas battle of the same era, though it remains entirely abstract without direct historical reference. Over decades, locals and passersby have adopted their own nicknames, including "the Cube" or "the Black Box," making it a familiar landmark in everyday conversation among residents.

The sculpture stands directly beside the Astor Place subway station and is freely accessible from all sides. Visitors can view the object up close at any time or work together with others to attempt setting it in motion.

In 2023, the sculpture was temporarily removed and transported to a Connecticut foundry for restoration after its rotating mechanism stopped working. The absence marked the first time in decades that the plaza had to go without its defining cube.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1967

Creator: Tony Rosenthal

Made from material: weathering steel

GPS coordinates: 40.72988,-73.99102

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29