Secrets of Times Square

Welcome to the vibrant heart of New York City—Times Square! Known for its dazzling lights and bustling crowds, this iconic destination holds more than just the latest Broadway shows and towering billboards. Beneath its neon surface lies a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be uncovered. From hidden sound art installations, to fascinating architectural designs that harken back to a different era, Times Square is a blend of history, art, and urban magic. Join us as we explore the lesser-known aspects of this dynamic locale, revealing fun facts and intriguing details that will transform the way you experience the crossroads of the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, there’s always something new to discover in the enchanting chaos of Times Square!
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Times Square, Neuhaus

Have you heard the hum? There is a hidden artwork in Times Square called "Times Square" by Max Neuhaus, which consists of an underground sound installation. Many pedestrians unknowingly step over an unmarked grate where the piece is located, unaware that it emits a continuous soundscape 24/7. Created in the 1970s as part of a sound art series, the work was initially disconnected in 1992 but was relaunched in 2002. It remains unique as Neuhaus's only public artwork in the U.S. and is designed to blend into the bustling environment of Times Square, creating an immersive experience for those who pause to listen.
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NYE Confetti

Make a wish! Every December 31, over a million people gather in Times Square to countdown the final moments of the year and witness a six-ton crystal ball light up the sky, accompanied by a ton of confetti—made up of wishes. Throughout December, visitors can write their wishes on official Times Square confetti at the Wishing Wall located at Broadway Plaza. These messages, which can be personal goals or dreams, are collected and shot into the crowd at midnight. For those unable to attend, an online Wishing Wall allows them to submit wishes that may be shared on social media and during the New Year's Eve webcast.
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Midnight Moment

Midnight Moment is the world’s largest and longest-running digital public art program, showcasing contemporary artists on the electronic billboards of Times Square. Each night from 11:57 PM to midnight, over 92 digital displays present synchronized art pieces, reaching millions of viewers annually. The program, which runs 364 nights a year, features a new artwork each month and has highlighted the work of more than 100 artists since its inception in 2012, thanks to the Times Square Advertising Coalition and participating billboard operators.
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Spotlight on Broadway

If you're late for a Broadway show and can't find the theater's address, head to Duffy Square, located north of the George M. Cohan statue on 46th Street. There, you'll find the "Spotlight on Broadway" Map, a 28-foot long installation in the concrete that marks the locations of 40 active Broadway theaters as of 2013. Made of gray granite and stainless steel, the map serves as a tribute to prominent Broadway figures like Richard Rodgers, Stephen Sondheim, and August Wilson. It provides an aerial overview of the Broadway district, highlighting many of the densely packed theaters primarily located between Broadway and 8th Avenue, from 40th to 54th Streets.
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Israel Miller's 'Show Folks Shoe Shop'

Next time you’re on the corner of Broadway and West 46th Street, look up! The facade of Israel Miller’s shoe store remains largely unchanged from a century ago. Miller was known for creating elegant shoes for prominent actresses, and his store featured the tagline “The Show Folks Shoe Shop—Dedicated to Beauty in Footwear.” Miller was so captivated by his favorite actresses that he decided to honor them by building four arched recesses on the building, intended for marble statues celebrating drama, comedy, opera, and film. A public vote determined the honorees: Ethel Barrymore, Marilyn Miller, Mary Pickford, and Rosa Ponselle. Although Miller’s Shoes closed in the 1970s and the building fell into disrepair, the ladies were restored in 2012. While Broadway stars no longer shop there, the restored facade still stands as a tribute to beauty amid the hustle and bustle of modern Times Square.