mosaic face on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
New York’s answer to Parc Guell mosaics on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Grant’s Tomb was erected in 1897 and designed by John H. Duncan, who modeled it after Mausoleus’ tomb at Halicarnassus. In 1973, Pedro Silva and the City Arts Workshop created colorful mosaic benches, done by children, around the memorial’s plaza intended to beautify the site.
There is dispute whether the mosaics were all together helpful, or keep with the architectural integrity to the building. As Grant’s Tomb was descending into ”one of the least visited places in New York,” neighbors deflected graffiti and vandalism by creating what some call ”garish” mosaic benches. I think that the general, would not so readily dismiss them as a ”misguided” effort.
Published: April 27, 1997
To the Editor:
I was saddened to hear that the Park Service is eager to remove the mosaic benches (”Mosaic Benches Face Unseating at Grant’s Tomb,” March 30). I was one of the local children who helped create the mosaics (one of my earliest memories is working on the big yellow taxicab with my classmates from nursery school). It’s true that the mosaics were not part of the ”original intent,” but after decades in the neighborhood they have become a treasured part of our community. People relax on them, lovers cuddle on them, children run on them. Removing them would destroy the community work put into them and take away the humanity and color around an otherwise monotone and imposing monument. MIRANDA SCHWARTZ Morningside Heights
Stop to Play Chess in Mosaic City on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
New York’s answer to Parc Guell mosaics on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Winding curvy mosaic wall on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Mosaic Art around Grant’s Tomb on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Mosaic Bench at Grant’s Tomb on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
mosaic loveseat on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Stop to Play Chess in Mosaic City on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
mosaic dance with me on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Mosaic Bench Ballerina on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Mosaic Dragon on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
mosaic rainbow on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Mosaic Car on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Flower Girl on Flickr – by carbonNYC
Mosaic Panoramic Photo of undulating mosaic benches around Grant’s Tomb
Mosaic Art Source 
These mosaics are a complete disgrace to Grant’s honor. The mosaics may have a place in another setting but not encircling the tomb of the greatest general of the Civil War. The tomb is a national monument not a community art project.
I too worked on the benches my siblings as a young girl. We happened to come to the park and found this kind man working on the benches. It was early in a summer morning and there were no other people there. He asked us if we’d like to add to the project with our own art. I was stunned we weren’t artists. My mother said ok and we came back twice to finish our project. We were so proud of what we did. We were immigrants and lived further up town across the 125th street bridge. This kind of cultural arts project is vital to children in so many ways. I hope that the benches will always be there.
I am happy to report that i visited the benches yesterday (10/17/10) and but for one tiny missing tile, they looked to be in excellent condition! and very beautiful. As an aspiring mosaicist, i am floored/dazzled/inspired by this lovely setting!
I was there today with my children. I enjoyed talking with the artist and the benches are truly amazing. They were an unexpected delight of color and design that provide a wonderful counterpoint to the stately and massive Tomb. We look forward to coming up again soon and helping with the restoration.
I was just there today and the restoration looks like it is going very well. I had never seen the benches before, and was wandering along admiring them with my partner and his cousin when we saw three people working on a section. They invited us to volunteer and while we couldn’t stay just then we are looking forward to going back.
I was really taken in by the benches. The variety of themes and the beauty of the mosaic are remarkable, as is the community effort that created them. I’m so glad these will be cared for into the future!
I look forward to helping restore the beauty and integrity of the original art on display at Grant’s Tomb. Sans controversary, this is am important place for both New Yorkers and visitors to see and be a part of. I hope the benches and this historic site become a place where people reflect and enjoy the history and beauty that New York and Morningside Heights has to offer.
Thanks — Adrienne
Thats cool
I think the name of the artist should be on the title:
Grant’s Tomb – Mosaic Sculpture Park – Artist Pedro P Silva – New York City
As it is on all the other entries under MOSAICS. Is only fair.
Thank you Tom for your kind words. We are trying to raise funds and get permission from the National Park Service to go in and restore them next Spring.
May be you can help.
Contact me at pedritos@earthlink.net.
Thanks!
Pedro P Silva
My email address changed to I am always here to answer any questions related to the project.
Just for the record.
Thanks!
pedritos@verizon.net
My new email is “pedrosilvastudios@gmail.com” the other one is not working!
I am a neighbor of the Grant tomb mosaics and a devoted fan of them.
I would love to see this brilliant display of people’s art restored.
Are there others who would like to work of raising conciousness (and then probably money) do that a great work of art receives the recogntion and attention in deserves?
As it says above the tomb… Let Us Have Peace… I believe the artist of the two year venture Pedro D, Silva showed us how to have that peace!
Tom Goodridge
I worked on these benches when I was a teenager! I would be extremely saddened to see them taken down or moved… Is this still being discussed or planned? If so, how can I become involved in opposing it?