Larry Ng’s vibrant “Queens, The World’s Borough” sculpture is moving to a new home — one it will share with the New York Mets.
The stainless steel, six-foot tall artwork, originally on view in Forest Hills’ MacDonald Park, will be relocated to Citi Field, City Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) announced March 20. Per city rules, it can’t stay in its current spot — it was installed there last year for a temporary display through the city Parks Department’s Art in the Parks program.
“As a lifelong Mets fan, I’m especially proud that it will now be displayed at Citi Field — one of Queens’ most iconic destinations — where millions of visitors will be able to experience and celebrate the diversity that makes our community so special,” Schulman said in a press release.
The sign’s exact location at Citi Field was not immediately clear.
Ng’s sculpture, which is the same red, white and blue as the Queens flag, was crafted to represent the borough’s rich history and cultural diversity. The release from Schulman’s office called Citi Field, which welcomes millions of visitors each year, a “fitting new home” for the artwork, saying its message will continue to reach a broad, diverse audience.
“This collaboration allows us to preserve an important symbol of borough pride while giving our fans a fantastic new landmark to enjoy and photograph during their visits to Citi Field,” said Katie Haas, the Mets’ executive vice president and chief of ballpark operations. “It is a privilege to help keep this artwork accessible to the public in the heart of Queens.”
News of the move comes amid a push from some neighbors to have the sculpture stay in MacDonald Park. Forest Hills native Carmen Montijo started a petition to let it stay put, calling it a symbol of the community’s identity, strength and aspirations.
The online petition had more than 360 signatures on Friday, and an event to garner more support was set for March 22.
Per guidelines set by Parks and the city’s Public Design Commission, permanent installations must be selected through a juried process and lengthy review period.
The sculpture was approved for display in MacDonald Park through March 17, but Ng was given an extra month to relocate it. He had been working with Schulman and Parks on next steps, and he said in the release that he is “thrilled” about the move.
“Queens loves the New York Mets!” Ng said.
The installation timeline and public unveiling will be announced in the coming weeks, according to Schulman’s office.