Statues adorn base of Manhattan Bridge

Permanent statues now adorn the base of the Manhattan Bridge at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Tillary Street. The two statues, named Miss Manhattan and Miss Brooklyn, are said to represent the

News 12 Staff

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Dec 30, 2016, 2:01 AM

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Updated 2,862 days ago

Permanent statues now adorn the base of the Manhattan Bridge at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Tillary Street.

The two statues, named Miss Manhattan and Miss Brooklyn, are said to represent the two boroughs.

The statues were designed by artist Brian Tolle, who says his creation is meant to emulate the two statues that were once displayed at the same location over a century ago.

The project itself took a decade, but Tolle updated the pair for 2016.

"They need to start building more things in New York City like that," says Tamia Middleton, of Bed-Stuy. "I love art. I love statues and things like that.

Each statue has its own character, with Miss Manhattan being prim and proper, and Miss Brooklyn a little more relaxed.

Tolle describes Miss Brooklyn as a symbol of the borough's history, its library system, churches, and greenery.

The project was commissioned by the city's Percent for Art program and funded by the New York City Economic Development Corporation.