Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink: Flatiron NoMad Partnership Brings “Mr. Pink” Art Trail to Infuse Color, Creativity, and ‘Cuteism’ to the District

10 illuminated Mr. Pinks land across rooftops, residences and plazas, as part of the Winter Glow program, celebrating the color, creativity and connection of our mixed-use neighborhood 

Installations on display from January 15 to February 28

New York, NY – Today, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership introduces New Yorkers to the district’s newest creative resident: Mr. Pink, a public art trail of 10 illuminated inflatable and resin sculptures perched on rooftops and public spaces across the Flatiron and NoMad neighborhoods. The installations are brought to the city through the Partnership’s annual Winter Glow program that transforms the district into a vibrant public destination of immersive public art exhibits accessible for all to enjoy this winter season. 

“Mr. Pink,” the viral ‘cuteism’ sculpture installation by French artist Philippe Katerine, transforms landmark buildings, residential properties and public spaces across the district into vibrant spectacles with colorful, larger-than-life figures. Mr. Pink’s arrival in Flatiron and NoMad marks the installation’s New York City debut and the first time the sculptures have ever been illuminated. The public art trail anchors a six-week-long, district-wide Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink community program, featuring exclusive neighborhood deals and special activations from local businesses, kicking off with an unveiling celebration in the Flatiron North Plaza on January 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM. The public is encouraged to join in the celebration, participate in the public art trail and receive special prizes for completing the path.

“Mr. Pink brings more than color and whimsy to Flatiron NoMad—it activates our streets and buildings in ways that are tangible and transformative,” said James Mettham, President of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership. “Through Winter Glow, we’re creating a district that feels inviting, connected, and inspiring in the colder months. By animating our rooftops and plazas with bold, joyful art, we’re supporting local businesses, energizing public space, and shining a light on what makes these districts so iconic.”

Mr. Pink installations in Flatiron and NoMad include:

• Flatiron North Plaza, 23rd St. and Broadway
• Flatiron Mini Plaza, 22nd St. and Broadway
• Hotel Seville NoMad, 22 E 29th St.
• Kew Management, 1129 Broadway
• Porcelanosa, 202 Fifth Avenue (featuring two Mr. Pink structures)
• The Capitol Plaza, 50 W 27th St. 
• The Church of the Transfiguration, 1 E 29th St.
• Virgin Hotels New York, 1227 Broadway
• BXP, 200 Fifth Avenue

A full map of Mr. Pink structures and themed local retail discounts can be found on the Flatiron NoMad Partnership website HERE.

Six weeks of Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink festivities across the district launch on January 15 with a stunning public art unveiling and celebration for community members, businesses, and partners. Additional highlights include:

• Weekly guided tours showcasing the art and neighborhood history each Saturday at 11:00 AM, from our partners at Like a Local Tours. 
• A self-guided art trail where visitors who check in at all nine installations via QR code enter a raffle with neighborhood prizes, including a two-night stay at Hotel Seville NoMad.
• A special Valentine’s Day activation on February 11 with themed installations and special photo opportunities on the Flatiron North Plaza. 
• Ongoing offers and experiences from local businesses throughout the district.

As part of the district-wide celebration, Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink will also feature special neighborhood activations and limited-time deals from local partners that bring the spirit of Mr. Pink into beloved community destinations. Virgin Hotels New York will join the festivities with in-house experiences for guests, Hotel Seville NoMad will offer a two-night complimentary stay giveaway and introduce a Pretty in Pink cocktail at il bar, YETI Flatiron will provide free customization of select drinkware with a custom Mr. Pink logo, and Swingers Crazy Golf NYC will distribute limited-edition Mr. Pink keychains to guests on launch day. The winter campaign invites visitors to explore the district, support local businesses, and enjoy a fully immersive, pink-themed neighborhood moment, only available in the Flatiron and NoMad districts. 

Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink Public Art Installation and Partner Quotes

Building on the success of past collaborations that brought innovative art to Flatiron and NoMad’s public spaces—like last summer’s viral Portal connecting New York and Dublin, or the interactive Spectrum and Diamonds last winter—the Flatiron NoMad Partnership has once again partnered with NYC DOT Art to bring Philippe Katerine’s “Mr. Pink” to New York through its annual Winter Glow program. The installation transforms the district with a whimsical, walkable public art trail of inflatable and resin sculptures celebrating Mignonisme, or “Cuteism,” a movement that embraces color, creativity, and playfulness in everyday life. Perched along rooftops and spread across plazas, Mr. Pink invites New Yorkers to see the city anew, sparking delight and connection throughout the winter season. Each sculpture, reaching anywhere from 9-feet to 16-feet tall, creates a shareable, photo-ready moment for visitors, encouraging discovery throughout the district.

“Mr. Pink is like all of us,” artist Philippe Katerine describes the art piece. “He carries a scar on his heart — a reminder that we have all, at some point, been wounded. Like us, he seeks acceptance and a place to belong in the world. His rounded shape and wide-eyed expression invite playfulness, while the weight he bears hints at a gentle melancholy. Mr. Pink engages directly with those he encounters. If he waves, he asks for a response. If he opens his arms, he offers comfort. If he points the way, it is to remind us that there is always a direction, always a place where providence can be found. Encountering Mr. Pink in a city is never a coincidence.”

As part of this activation strategy, the Partnership has worked closely with district property owners—including Kew Management, which owns and manages 1123-1133 Broadway, inclusive of the Mr. Pink location at 1129, and BXP—to transform a diverse mix of rooftops and streetscapes into a cohesive, illuminated art trail.

“We’re proud to help bring this playful, international art experience to the neighborhood,” said Leslie Spira Lopez, President & CEO at Kew Management. “Mr. Pink shows how creative placemaking can activate rooftops and buildings of every type—from historic properties like the St. James and Townsend buildings to office towers—reinforcing the district as a vital live-work-play neighborhood.”

“We’re proud to support Mr. Pink’s New York City debut at 200 Fifth Avenue and to be part of an initiative that brings creativity, light and joy to the public,” said Hilary Spann, Executive Vice President, NY Region, BXP. “Projects like Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink show how thoughtful partnerships between artists, property owners and community organizations can reimagine commercial buildings to create shared experiences and neighborhood connection.”

“From Québec to New York, Mr. Pink joyfully invades the cityscape, feeling unmistakably at home,” said Vincent Roy, Coexecutive Director and Artistic Director at EXMURO. “His playful absurdity and iconic pink silhouette remind us that public art flourishes when it refuses to take itself too seriously.”

“We’re thrilled to see Mignonisme land in New York,” said Éric Lévy, Founder of rentingART. “The energy, color, and playful spirit of the works are a perfect match for the city’s vibrant streets and creative communities.”

“Public art creates streets and public spaces that are welcoming and inviting— especially when it allows people to linger, explore, support local business, and connect with one another,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Through Mr. Pink, we are proud to collaborate with the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, artist Philippe Katerine,  and our many community partners to transform this public space into a joyful, illuminated winter experience for New Yorkers and visitors alike.”

“This year’s Mr. Pink lighting installations bring fresh energy to Flatiron and NoMad districts and demonstrate the impact thoughtful public-space investments can have on our neighborhoods,” said Dynishal Gross, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “Activations like these strengthen connections between the community and local businesses, showing how inventive public art can draw people back to our urban cores and make the neighborhood more welcoming throughout the winter.” 

“Public art plays a critical role in how New Yorkers experience their neighborhoods and the built environment—especially during the winter months,” said Ya-Ting Liu, Chief Public Realm Czar for the City of New York. “Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink exemplifies how creative partnerships can animate public space, support local businesses, and reinforce our commitment to a people-first public realm that is lively, inclusive, and designed for everyday enjoyment.”

District-Wide Advancements Through Art

Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink and Winter Glow support the Flatiron NoMad Partnership’s broader alignment with NYC DOT’s ongoing Broadway Vision project, a 1.3-acre transformation of the Broadway corridor. By bringing public art initiatives to the district, the Partnership activates and beautifies the reimagined area, while creating safer shared streets and a more pedestrianized environment for patrons. Since the implementation of the Broadway Vision plan in Flatiron and NoMad in the spring of 2024, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership has seen a surge in Citi Bike ridership—climbing 121% since 2020 and now averaging 7,764 rides per day in Q2 2024, up from 6,474 daily rides in 2022, a testament to the impact of the project.

For more information and updates on Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink events and programming in the Flatiron and NoMad neighborhoods, visit https://flatironnomad.nyc/signature-event/winter-glow/ or follow along on social for live updates at @flatironny.

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About the Flatiron NoMad Partnership

The Flatiron NoMad Partnership, formed in 2006, is a non-profit organization and business improvement district that serves the businesses, people, and places that help make Flatiron and NoMad two of Manhattan’s most iconic and authentic destinations. Home to a range of retailers and employers, cultural and educational institutions, and a thriving residential community, the district is a center of activity. The Partnership serves as a dedicated steward and supporter of public life in the district by maintaining a clean and safe environment; spearheading area improvement projects; and marketing and championing the diverse business and retail options in this vibrant and historic neighborhood.

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info@flatironnomad.nyc
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About Artist Philippe Katerine

Philippe Katerine is a French multidisciplinary artist born in 1968. A singer, actor, and visual artist, he has built a singular career marked by freedom, humor, and emotional sincerity. Over the years, he has released 11 studio albums, earned one platinum record, two gold records, and was named Performer of the Year in 2019. In 2024, he reached a global audience during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, where he performed his song “Nu”, entirely painted in blue — a moment emblematic of his playful, bold, and unconventional approach to art. Alongside his musical career, Philippe Katerine has appeared in around fifty films and received the Best Male Newcomer award in 2018, further establishing his presence as a distinctive figure in French cinema.

Parallel to music and film, he has developed a visual art practice he calls “Mignonisme”, a universe of drawings, paintings, and installations that celebrate fragility, tenderness, and joyful absurdity. Among these works are the iconic Mr. Rose sculptures, which have become emblematic of his artistic world.

About NYC DOT Art

The New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program (NYC DOT Art) partners with community-based, nonprofit organizations and professional artists to present temporary public art on NYC DOT property throughout the five boroughs for up to eleven months. Artists transform streets with colorful murals, dynamic projections and eye-catching sculptures. Sidewalks, fences, triangles, medians, bridges, jersey barriers, step streets, public plazas and pedestrianized spaces serve as canvases and foundations for temporary art. Since 2008, NYC DOT Art has produced over 530 temporary artworks citywide. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dotart and @nyc_DOTArt on Instagram.

About EXMURO

EXMURO is a public art organization based in Quebec City, Canada. Since 2007, EXMURO has gone beyond gallery walls to design, produce and exhibit thought-provoking public artworks that transform urban space and foster astonishment. By making art accessible in public spaces, it opens doors and fills cities with artworks that inspire, surprise, and invite reflection. EXMURO believes art can transport us to unknown realms, beyond the everyday.  Under the artistic direction of Vincent Roy, the organization is recognized across Quebec and internationally for its bold artistic interventions. Every year, works from its collection tour in various cities and reach new audiences. Learn more about EXMURO at www.exmuro.com!

About rentingART

rentingART is an international art agency with over 20 years of expertise in the production and rental of turnkey contemporary art exhibitions and artistic events in public and corporate spaces. With more than 800 exhibitions produced internationally, rentingART partners with corporations, cities, and cultural institutions to deliver large-scale art projects. The agency has collaborated with French artist Philippe Katerine and his visual art practice for various exhibitions since 2023. Visit www.rentingart.com.