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James H. Strong — Parachute Jump
James H. Strong

Parachute Jump

1939

This iconic steel lattice tower rises 262 feet above the Coney Island Boardwalk, a striking example of early twentieth century amusement park engineering transformed into public art. Originally constructed in 1939 as a functional parachute jump ride, the structure now stands as a sculptural monument to the boardwalk's golden era, its open-frame red steel skeleton creating an intricate geometric canopy against the sky. The base features a vivid polychromatic cylindrical structure painted in primary colors that contrasts boldly with the delicate tracery above, anchoring this soaring form to the boardwalk plaza. The work exemplifies how industrial structures can transcend their original purpose to become beloved landmarks, blending engineering prowess with sculptural presence in the urban landscape. Photo by Rhododendrites on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Medium
Steel open-frame tower

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About this work

James H. Strong, Parachute Jump, 1939

This iconic steel lattice tower rises 262 feet above the Coney Island Boardwalk, a striking example of early twentieth century amusement park engineering transformed into public art. Originally constructed in 1939 as a functional parachute jump ride, the structure now stands as a sculptural monument to the boardwalk's golden era, its open-frame red steel skeleton creating an intricate geometric canopy against the sky. The base features a vivid polychromatic cylindrical structure painted in primary colors that contrasts boldly with the delicate tracery above, anchoring this soaring form to the boardwalk plaza. The work exemplifies how industrial structures can transcend their original purpose to become beloved landmarks, blending engineering prowess with sculptural presence in the urban landscape. Photo by Rhododendrites on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Medium
Steel open-frame tower
Year
1939
Seen at
Coney Island Boardwalk

Related themes

Landmark, Geometric, Coney Island, Twentieth Century, Outdoor Art, Monumental, Lattice Tower, Urban Sculpture, Modernist, Public Art, Sculpture, Steel Structure, Architectural Landmark, Industrial Design, Boardwalk Art, American Art, Vertical Sculpture, Amusement Park, Brooklyn, Red Steel