A tapering sculpture of glass and concrete that acts as a vertical extension of the Museum of Modern Art.
Residential skyscraper in Manhattan, New York.
Featured in Jean Nouvel's definitive monograph, Jean Nouvel by Jean Nouvel: Complete Works 1970–2008.
Visitor Guide
Visit the MoMA galleries at the base to see how the tower's diagrid structure slices through the interior exhibition spaces.
53rd Street, looking up at the northern facade's slope toward the five distinct spires at midday.
The residential floors are private; however, the lower levels housing MoMA galleries are open during museum hours ($30 admission).
The largest structural node on the 6th floor connects six distinct girders; each node features a unique steel core anchored within poured concrete.
2-3 hours
Design & Structure
Collaborative engineering between Jean Nouvel and WSP focused on the concrete diagrid, inspired by the urban drawings of Hugh Ferriss.
The facade consists of 5,747 triple-glazed panels manufactured in Germany, anchored to the structural diagrid and floor slabs.
The building uses a concrete diagrid that shifts the structural load to the perimeter, eliminating the need for bulky interior columns.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with 53W53 — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
More by Jean Nouvel
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Opéra de Lyon
Genoa International Boat Show
Guthrie Theater
Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain
Institut du monde arabe
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Nearby in Manhattan
121 East 22nd
Morgan Library & Museum
The New York Times Building
565 Broome Street
World Trade Center station (PATH)
Storefront for Art and Architecture
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed 53W53?+
53W53 was designed by Jean Nouvel and completed in 2007. It is located in Manhattan, United States.
Where is 53W53 located?+
53W53 is located in Manhattan, United States. Its coordinates are 40.7617°, -73.9783°.
When was 53W53 built?+
53W53 was completed in 2007. It was designed by Jean Nouvel.
Can I visit 53W53?+
53W53 is a real building in Manhattan that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.