Can artificial noise in a square that’s already one of the noisiest in the world be considered art? Few people know this, but in the very center of Times Square, there’s an art installation you can walk through without even noticing. But you can hear it if you pay attention.
Through the seemingly ordinary bars, you can discern a sound “reminiscent of the ringing of large bells,” as artist Max Neuhaus himself described it. Or a “deeply resonant and slightly undulating drone,” as the New York Times described it.
The installation is called “Times Square,” or colloquially simply “Hum.” The artist, Max Neuhaus, is credited with being the first to use sound as a primary medium in contemporary art.
“The Hum” was created in 1977, after four years of negotiations, largely due to the MTA’s refusal to cooperate with a private entity. Neuhaus was forced to create a nonprofit organization, which he called Hybrid Energies for Acoustic Resources (HEAR), before the government agency would negotiate and agree to install the piece.
In 1992, the piece was first deactivated due to maintenance difficulties, and then dismantled due to renovations to the square. “The Hum” returned to New York City only in 2002, and since then, visitors and residents of Times Square have been able to enjoy this work of art 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Interestingly, at Neuhaus’s request, there are no signs or markings indicating that there is anything inside the gratings. According to the artist, the sound should be “believable,” not perceived as “an unusual machine sound from underground,” and not be noticed repeatedly until the viewer discovers it by chance.
“Hum” can be found at the northern end of the triangular pedestrian island located on Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets in New York City 📍Times Square (exact coordinates). Visiting the art piece is free.
