Immigration on the Lower East Side of New York, NYC. (1980-1997)

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This complex installation consists of murals and a bridge with two bass-relief sculptures at either end. The imagery is drawn from the historic stories of the Judgement of King Solomon and the Judgement of Chinese General Pao Kung. On an adjacent wall, there are views of the early immigrants who settled the lower East Side of New York. Artist Richard Haas (b. 1936 Spring Green, WI) was commissioned through the New York City Percent for Art Program in 1985 as part of the design and construction of the Manhattan Detention Complex North Tower. Haas designed this mural for the second story facade of the building facing Baxter Street, between White Street and Walker Street.

The intention of the mural was to honor the diversity and historyy of the multi-racial and ethnic community that made up the lower east side of Manhattan. The first and last mural panels show the arrival of immigrants coming by ship and plane, respectively, and the five central mural panels depict immigrant communities at work and play.

The installation was commissioned by the Percent for Art Program of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Department Correction, and Department of General Services.

Print reproduction of original design maquettes (2025)

This is a temporary reproduction of the mural while the existing Manhattan Detention Complex buildings are being dismantled to make way for a new modern facility on the same site.