Behind the Scenes of Tomás Saraceno on the Roof: Cloud City

«Each spring, as soon as the weather gets warm, friends start asking me when the Museum's Cantor Roof Garden will be open. By the time they ask, I've already been excited for months, anticipating the installation process and the opportunity to collaborate with the exhibiting artist (or artists), curators, fabricators, and installers who, each year, transform one of my favorite places in the city into a totally new space.»

The Photograph Studio is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to document what goes on here at the Met, especially behind the scenes. The sculptures on the Cantor Roof Garden, in particular, provide unique opportunities to interact with site-specific art installations. Cloud City by Tomás Saraceno, a project that pushes the boundaries of architecture and art, provides an environment in which to explore creative imaging processes like time-lapse, point of view, 360-degree, virtual tours, interactive media, and, of course, stunning photography and video.

As preparations for the installation began, I knew that I wanted to try to get a camera on the crane that would be lifting each individual module from Central Park onto the Cantor Roof. The crane operators were as excited about the idea as I was, and together we captured some fantastic video. The sweeping views of the modules swinging over the park before being lowered onto the roof provide a dramatic perspective of the Met that has never before been seen—just one more way to enjoy one of the best locations in the city.

Related Links
Tomás Saraceno on the Roof: Cloud City
Photos of the Installation