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Each summer since 2015, one of NYC’s most Instagrammable gems has quietly made a massive visual statement. Now, the Manhattan Park Pool Deck—the city’s most colorful outdoor pool experience—is back with a fresh new look for 2025, and it's making waves once again (literally).
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The annual tradition transforms the Roosevelt Island pool deck into a supersized canvas, inviting an emerging artist to completely reimagine the space. This year’s commission went to Paris-based artist Meri Karapetyan, whose mural, Waves of Joy, is a dizzying, delightful homage to nature’s movement and energy. Over the course of 14 days and with the help of 26 gallons of paint, Karapetyan brought a vivid palette of flowing lines, leaflike shapes and solar bursts to the 8,500-square-foot deck, turning it into a technicolor daydream.
“This mural is not just about decoration; it’s an invitation to reconnect with nature and embrace the lightness of the present moment,” said Karapetyan, whose work infuses the entire space with a joyful rhythm. And with views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline beyond, the scene is as transportive as it is photogenic.
Located at Manhattan Park, a luxury rental community on Roosevelt Island, the pool deck project has become a buzzy annual landmark for art lovers and leisure seekers alike. It’s also open to the public via seasonal memberships or day passes, making it a go-to summer destination for locals who like their pool time with a side of cultural cachet.
“The tradition of artists transforming the pool deck at Manhattan Park every summer has become a cornerstone of the community’s identity,” said Jodi Stasse, EVP of New Developments at The Corcoran Group. “Meri Karapetyan’s piece brings a refreshing and inspiring brightness to the space, which is shared by both Manhattan Park residents and Roosevelt Island visitors alike.”
Whether you’re diving in, lounging poolside, or just there to snap a selfie, Waves of Joy is pure New York summer magic—sunny, unexpected and absolutely viral-ready. Pool passes are available now via Manhattan Park.