All Photos By Gail
One of my favorite things about New York City is that it never runs out of surprises. Even after decades of exploring, I’ll stumble across something that I had no idea even existed. That was exactly the case with The Marriage of Money and Real Estate, artist Tom Otterness‘ delightfully quirky trio of bronze sculptures that quietly inhabit the East River just off the western shore of Roosevelt Island.
If you’re planning an inexpensive and easy day trip from Manhattan, Roosevelt Island is already worth the visit for its waterfront promenades, parks, and spectacular skyline views. But keep your eyes on the water as you stroll along the west side of the island, because these playful sculptures are waiting to reward curious visitors. Depending on the tide, they may be standing proudly above the water or peeking just beneath the surface, making the discovery feel even more magical.
Like much of Otterness‘ work, the sculptures use humor to explore surprisingly serious ideas — in this case, New York City’s long and complicated relationship with money and real estate.
One sculpture features a determined little money bag attacking an oversized coin while emerging from the mouth of a top-hatted businessman. It’s a funny image, but also a clever reminder that in New York, money always seems to be chasing even more money.
A short distance away, you’ll encounter perhaps the oddest member of the trio: a cheerful little house with a skirt under attack by a giant lobster whose face bears a dollar sign. The lobster’s oversized claw appears ready to grab hold of the house, suggesting that real estate and financial forces often have quite a grip on one another. It’s wonderfully bizarre in the way only Tom Otterness can be.
The final sculpture offers a happier ending. Here, a smiling house and equally cheerful coin stand together in harmony, representing the “marriage” promised by the installation’s title. After all the struggle and pursuit, money and real estate have finally found one another — whether that’s a happy ending or a sly joke is left entirely up to the viewer.
Installed in 1996, The Marriage of Money and Real Estate has become one of New York City’s best-kept public art secrets. Unlike monumental sculptures that grab your attention, these bronze characters quietly wait for observant passersby to discover them. There’s something wonderfully satisfying about spotting one rising out of the river and realizing you’ve uncovered a hidden treasure.
It’s exactly the kind of unexpected discovery that makes exploring New York so much fun. Sometimes the city’s most memorable works of art aren’t inside a museum at all — they’re patiently waiting in the East River, smiling back at anyone curious enough investigate.