Jersey City’s waterfront just got a splash of color—and a bit more soul. The Exchange Place Alliance just rolled out six new public art installations, bumping its curated Art Walk up to 15 sculptures.
They’ve poured $600,000 into this project. It’s not just about making things look nice; it’s about stitching art into daily routines, sparking pride, and drawing both locals and visitors into Jersey City’s creative pulse.
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Expanding the Art Walk: A Commitment to Culture
Since 2017, the Exchange Place Alliance has worked to turn this stretch of the Hudson waterfront into a must-see spot. The Art Walk’s latest phase gives residents more reasons to connect and nudges visitors to stick around—and maybe even wander past the waterfront.
Notable New Installations and Artists
The new pieces highlight a blend of local and regional artists. At the Public Storage building on 2nd Avenue—a former warehouse—three street-facing windows now feature works by Jersey City’s Kayt Hester and Ryan Wright, plus Brooklyn’s Ji Yong Kim.
Each artwork brings a fresh perspective and fits right into the building’s industrial-meets-artsy vibe. One that really pops is “Puppy Love” by Will Kurtz, set near a dog park in the Powerhouse Arts District.
This piece finally brings sculpture to a spot that’s needed it for ages. It’s playful and fits the location perfectly.
The Selection Process and Community Engagement
To keep the bar high, the Alliance put together a 20-member selection committee, mixing arts pros, city officials, and community leaders. They judged submissions on artistic quality, originality, and impact on the community.
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Submissions came from all over, but the Alliance made it a point to back local artists—Jersey City wants to nurture its own talent, and you can feel that in the choices.
Permanent Pieces and Long-Term Vision
In 2024, the Alliance bought its first permanent piece, “Adorn Me”. That kicked off some real talk about making public art a lasting part of the city’s landscape.
The program’s rolling through 2026, adding new sculptures and art features bit by bit. Budgets for these works land between $50,000 and $75,000, which shows the city isn’t just dabbling—it’s investing in culture.
Art, Economy, and Identity
Public art isn’t just eye candy—it fuels the local economy and grounds the city’s identity. The 2023 Arts & Economic Prosperity report says the arts pump almost $46 million into Jersey City’s economy every year, and they help people feel more connected, too.
Exchange Place Alliance Chair Michael DeMarco even claims the city’s energy and diversity could go toe-to-toe with Brooklyn, thanks to its mix of creativity and lively street scenes.
Why Public Art Matters Here
With screens everywhere, it’s easy to forget the value of real-world experiences. These installations get people out, spark conversations, and invite a few selfies—sure, why not?
They help build a shared story that links neighborhoods and brings people together, no matter where they’re from.
Visiting the New Installations
Whether you’re a local plotting a weekend walk or just visiting and searching for things to do in Jersey City, the expanded Art Walk has plenty to discover. If you’re from out of town, there are several Jersey City hotels close to the waterfront, so it’s easy to take in the art and soak up those skyline views.
Making the Most of Your Trip
If you’re wondering where to stay in Jersey City, try looking for places near Exchange Place. That spot gives you super easy access to the Art Walk.
Getting to Jersey City isn’t a hassle either. You’ve got plenty of transit options from New York City and the nearby suburbs—PATH trains, ferries, and buses all get you there without much fuss.
Public art here doesn’t just look nice. It actually turns your daily walks into almost a gallery experience.
There’s something about seeing art out in the open that brings people closer to the artists. Jersey City feels more like a cultural powerhouse every year, and honestly, it’s worth exploring.
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