Artwork at the World Trade Center (1973–2001)

The original World Trade Center complex, completed in 1973, incorporated a significant collection of public art intended to enhance the environment for tenants, workers, and visitors. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owned and operated the complex, commissioned and acquired various works of sculpture, painting, and site-specific installations. These pieces were strategically placed in both indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the World Trade Center site, including the Austin J. Tobin Plaza, the lobbies of the Twin Towers, and other public areas.

The selection process for artists and their works typically involved a committee of art professionals, architects, and representatives from the Port Authority. The objective was to integrate art that was both aesthetically pleasing and conceptually engaging, reflecting the ambition and scale of the World Trade Center itself.

Notable artists whose work was featured at the World Trade Center included:

• Alexander Calder: Known for his large-scale, abstract sculptures.
• Joan Miró: A Spanish painter and sculptor associated with Surrealism.
• Louise Nevelson: An American sculptor known for her monochromatic, wooden assemblages.
• Masayuki Nagare: A Japanese sculptor known for his stone sculptures.

The destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, resulted in the loss of much of this artwork. Some pieces were completely destroyed, while others were damaged beyond repair. Efforts were made to recover and preserve what remained, but the vast majority of the collection was irrevocably lost. Documentation, including photographs and records, has helped to maintain a memory of the artwork that once existed at the World Trade Center. The fate of surviving pieces varies, with some undergoing restoration and others being displayed in memorial exhibitions. The loss of the artwork is considered a significant cultural loss alongside the human tragedy of the attacks.