Orpheus and Apollo – 1962 – Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, NYC

Commissioned in 1961 by Lincoln Center, Richard Lippold's space sculpture “Orpheus and Apollo” extends the entire length of the 190-foot Grand Promenade of Avery Fisher Hall (formerly Philharmonic Hall). The 5-ton sculpture hangs from the ceiling by thin stainless steel cables, supporting 190 sheets of highly polished copper alloy.

Titled “Orpheus and Apollo”, two forms reaching toward each other but not quite touching. They are mirror images suggesting a “twin” relationship. In one of the Greek myths, Orpheus is the son of Apollo and this seemed appropriate, there being two great musicians.

The sculpture has recently been relocated at La Guardia Airport, New York.