In Flatiron, NYC: "Twenty Petal Flower," a Seven-Tier Día de Muertos Altar, Wraps Its Run

Twenty Petal Flower, the Día de Muertos altar in Flatiron North Plaza at 23rd Street and Broadway, finished its run on November 3. The public art installation was commissioned by the Flatiron NoMad Partnership as the centerpiece of its fifth annual Day of the Dead program.

Daniel Valero of Mexico-based Mestiz Studio designed the piece, and Brooklyn's Powerhouse Arts handled fabrication. The two teams worked across borders to build a seven-tier ofrenda covered in handwoven wicker flowers in marigold orange, the flower most closely tied to the holiday.

The altar was meant to be used, not only looked at. Visitors could leave remembrances for people they have lost, which made the plaza a place for quiet reflection in the middle of one of Manhattan's busiest crossroads.

On October 28, the Partnership held a community celebration around the altar, with dance, music, and family-friendly activities. Partners included Calpulli Mexican Dance, the Center for Book Arts, and Posterhouse NYC, among others.

The installation has now been taken down, but the Partnership continues to program the district's plazas with art and events through the year.