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A first look at the immersive 6-acre art installation in Manhattan that explores liberty and equality

Find this free outdoor art experience on Manhattan's east side.

Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Written by
Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Things to Do Editor
A Black woman in a white dress stands next to a large portrait of herself at an art exhibit.
Photograph: Terry Gruber, courtesy of Path of Liberty
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What does it mean to be American? That's the question a new immersive art exhibition in Manhattan seeks to answer. 

Called "Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US," this installation takes over 6 acres in Midtown East with massive screens sharing the voices of 50 Americans from across the nation. You'll hear their thoughts on democracy, liberty, freedom and unity. Path of Liberty is free to visit starting on May 15 with reservations available here. The exhibition opens as America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, which will be celebrated in 2026.  

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The exhibition, hosted by the Soloviev Foundation, reflects a diversity of voices, each with their own backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. Even so, organizers said, one central theme emerged in interviews across the country: Being American is not defined by birthplace, religion or heritage, but by a shared commitment to freedom, equality and the pursuit of a better future.

Four large screens with photographs on them are illuminated.
Photograph: Courtesy Path of Liberty

"Though the journey has not always been easy, history shows that each generation pushes us closer to realizing the promise of America," a press release from the Soloviev Foundation said. "This exhibition is a celebration—of who we are, how far we've come and the boundless potential of what we can achieve together."

“Each generation pushes us closer to realizing the promise of America.”

At Path of Liberty, you'll be able to walk through winding paths dotted with large screens, each one showcasing photos or videos from the interviews. Explore remarkable personal stories of WWII heroes and learn about today's changemakers in larger-than-life visuals. Expect to leave with a deeper understanding of the country's past, present and future.  

The exhibit was designed by creative studio C&G Partners and directed by filmmaker Daniella Vale. The installation also features a short film by Donna Lawrence Productions that helps ground the exhibit in a deeper historical context.

A man wearing a black tie with turquoise beads and a gray jacket stands in front of a large photograph at an art exhibit.
Photograph: Terry Gruber, courtesy Path of Liberty

This is the second art installation from the Soloviev Foundation on this site. Last spring, their Field of Light exhibition brought 18,750 glowing orbs to Midtown East.

Find "Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US" on Manhattan’s East Side from 38th to 41st Street along First Avenue. It's open free of charge every Thursday through Saturday from 8-11pm; make a reservation here. Walk-ups are welcome, and the installation is also illuminated Sunday through Wednesday for public viewing from the perimeter.

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