The Gates

One of their most famous works, The Gates in Central Park New York was completed on February 12, 2005. 7,503 panels of fabric 16 feet tall varied in width from 5 feet 6 inches to 18 feet. Displayed on 25 various walkways over 23 miles in Central Park the free-hanging saffron colored fabric panels were hung horizontally about 7 feet from the ground. Spaced about 12 feet apart The Gates hung for a total of 16 days until the materials were removed and recycled.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude
The Gates, Central Park, New York City, 1979-2005Photo: Wolfgang Volz
© 2005 Christo and Jeanne-Claude

600 teams of 8 installed 100 gates per team. The installation included a 5 inch square in which vertical and horizontal poles were extruded in 60 miles of vinyl. The poles were secured with 15,006 steel base footings ranging from 613 to 837 pounds. No holes were made in the ground however all materials were fabricated off site by 7 various manufacturers. 

Christo and Jeanne-Claude
The Gates, Central Park, New York City, 1979-2005Photo: Wolfgang Volz
© 2005 Christo and Jeanne-Claude

300 additional workers were needed to complete The Gates. These "monitors" assisted in giving the public information of the project. Every worker was compensated and received a hot breakfast. Professional security worked the park after dark to ensure the safety of The Gates.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude
The Gates, Central Park, New York City, 1979-2005Photo: Wolfgang Volz
© 2005 Christo and Jeanne-Claude