American artist Steve Tobin twists and welds repurposed steel pipes to create New York Roots, a series of modernist forms that evoke gatherings of figures, families, and community. The works seem to grow from the earth, telling stories of relationships, and prompting viewers to reflect on their own life histories and roots.

Stretching across the Broadway plazas between 39th and 41st Streets, New York Roots is a stunning series of seven steel sculptures that turn a simple walk through the Garment District into a moment of reflection. Inspired by the strength and interconnectedness of roots, these towering works celebrate family, community, and the unseen bonds that hold us all together. With curves that echo dance, movement, and nature, each sculpture offers a fresh perspective on the city around you.

Part of the Garment District Art on the Plazas program, New York Roots will be on display through February 2026. This larger-than-life installation transforms two city blocks into an immersive public art experience that is free and open to all. Thanks to a collaboration between the Garment District Alliance and NYC DOT Art, the Broadway plazas continue to grow as spaces for both connection and creativity, right in the heart of Midtown.

Renowned sculptor Steve Tobin is no stranger to big ideas or big materials. With a background in theoretical math and physics, Tobin blends scientific thinking with an artistic eye, often working in steel, bronze, glass, and stone. His work has appeared in major museums and collections around the world, from Washington, D.C. to Shanghai. In New York Roots, Tobin brings his signature fusion of nature and industry to the streets of Manhattan, crafting a space that feels both grounded and full of movement.