This huge art wall has been an enigma for myself and most New Yorkers and visitors. The piece, Metronome, was commissioned by the developers of the building at One Union Square South, created by Kristin Jones and Andrew Ginzel (who won a national competition), and inaugurated in 1999. It is an investigation of time containing nine elements – every element has a specific meaning.

The photo only shows the central portion, The Vortex, in brick, measuring 100 feet high by 60 feet wide. Smoke is emitted throughout the day through the center (The Infinity), surrounded by gold leaf (The Source). Note the hand (900 pounds) of George Washington at the very top. To the left (not shown) is an element which always generates speculation: The Passage, a digital atomic clock 15 panels long (five feet high). It turns out to be an elaborate countdown of the day’s time. The entire piece, its elements, and its history are explained in the original press release.