Doug + Mike Starn on the Roof: Big Bambú
PRESS GUIDELINES
Big Bambú Description
Twin brothers Mike and Doug Starn have created a monumental bamboo structure for the Metropolitan Museum's Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden. Ultimately measuring 100 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 50 feet high, the complex network of 5,000 interlocking 30- and 40-foot-long bamboo poles, lashed together with 50 miles of nylon rope and incorporating an internal elevated pathway system, bridges realms of sculpture, architecture, and performance. Big Bambú will be constructed throughout the spring, summer, and fall by the artists and a team of rock climbers and will ultimately take the form of a cresting wave. Set against Central Park and its urban backdrop, the installation suggests the complexity and energy of an ever-changing living organism.
Press Visits to Big Bambú
There are two ways to experience Big Bambú—it can be viewed from the main level of the Roof Garden as well as from the elevated bamboo pathways within the sculpture. The elevated pathways reach heights of up to 40 feet (12.2 meters) above the Roof Garden and up to 110 feet (33.5 meters) above Central Park. During the run of the exhibition, accredited press are welcome to visit, film, and photograph the installation from the main Roof Garden level. Press will also have the opportunity, weather and numbers permitting, to visit the elevated pathways in small groups, escorted by Museum staff, following the guidelines and restrictions below.
Visiting the Elevated Pathways
All press visitors to the elevated pathways of Big Bambú will be required to sign a Certification and Agreement before ascending and will be escorted by Museum staff. The elevated pathways are made of bamboo, so the walking surface may be uneven. There will be inclines and steps, bamboo "handrails," and head clearance of at least 7 feet (2.13 meters). There will be no immediate access to water or shade. Because of safety concerns, in order to walk along the pathways, all visitors must:
• wear flat, rubber-soled shoes with a closed toe and a closed back or back strap (sneakers are recommended). Visitors may not be barefoot or wear high heels, flip-flops, sandals, or leather-soled shoes. Pants or long shorts are recommended, as the elevated pathways are visible from below;
• be able to walk without assistance. Unfortunately, wheelchairs and other mobility devices (e.g., crutches, canes, and walkers) cannot be accommodated except for canes with wrist straps used by visitors with visual impairments. Visitors may be accompanied by a service animal;
• weigh less than 400 pounds (and included in this limit is any equipment members of the press take onto the elevated pathways);
• not be under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicant.
The Museum strongly recommends that any visitor with a serious disability or other mental or physical condition that would impair his or her ability to walk along the elevated pathways does not do so. The Museum also does not recommend that any visitor walk along the pathways if he/she: has a heart or respiratory condition; is pregnant; has a history of seizures; has impaired mobility or back, limb, or joint injuries; has acrophobia (fear of heights), vertigo (dizziness), or claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces); or has balance problems. Instead, the Museum recommends that the sculpture be enjoyed from the Roof Garden level.
Equipment, Personal Items, and Lockers. Press visitors who wish to photograph or film the sculpture from the elevated pathways must limit the amount of equipment they carry onto the pathways to an absolute minimum. All such equipment must be secured with wrist, neck, or shoulder straps. Press visitors who do not wish to photograph or film the sculpture from the elevated pathways may join one of the Museum's scheduled guided tours and must store all personal items (including purses, backpacks and other bags, cell phones, cameras, food and beverage containers, umbrellas, hats, personal entertainment devices, etc.) in the lockers provided, taking with them only glasses or sunglasses and necessary medications. The Museum will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.
Contacts. Please contact the Communications Department with questions about Big Bambú and press access by calling 212-570-3951 or emailing communications@metmuseum.org. Accredited press may make appointments in advance to visit the installation during the run of the exhibition (April 27-October 31, weather permitting) through the Communications Department and, should they wish to visit the elevated pathways, may participate in one of the Museum's scheduled guided tours or request an appointment to film or photograph the sculpture from the elevated pathways accompanied by a member of the Museum staff.
Press resources