“Patterned Behavior” by MASARY Will Light Up Union Square as Neighborhood’s First-Ever Evening Art Installation
Union Square Partnership (USP) is set to brighten the winter months with the debut of Boston-based collective MASARY Studios (MASARY)’s “Patterned Behavior,” an interactive light and sound installation that will transform the Union Square Park Pavilion and North Plaza into a vibrant sensory experience. This must-see installation is part of USP’s “Bright Nights Out” program, featuring spectacular public artwork and special offerings from Union Square businesses for a memorable wintery night out in the neighborhood during the month-long installation. Launching on January 16 and only available for viewing after dark, “Patterned Behavior” will be Union Square Park’s first-ever evening public art lighting installation.
Concept Illustration by MASARY Studios
“Patterned Behavior” is presented by USP in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and made possible through support from the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Public Realm Grant. To complement the installation, USP invites residents, workers and visitors to explore Union Square once the sun goes down through “Bright Nights Out,” pairing a viewing of “Patterned Behavior” with stops at over a dozen participating businesses offering a range of exclusive neighborhood deals through the Bright Nights Out Pass program on food, drinks, retail, and entertainment during the month-long lighting installation. To unlock the deals, customers must mention “Bright Nights Out” at the point of purchase. These Bright Nights Out Pass offerings turn a visit to the park into a full evening experience – they’re listed at unionsquarenyc.org/brightnightsout and include
As MASARY’s largest New York City project, “Patterned Behavior” invites the thousands of people passing through Union Square each day to reflect on the endless possibilities of motion and connection in an ever-changing cityscape. Each evening’s illumination is shaped by pedestrian activity in Union Square’s North Plaza, turning the footsteps and rhythms of passersby into a dynamic audio-visual composition that evolves throughout the evening hours. Using infrared sensors, the installation translates these movements into dynamic patterns of light and sound that trace the pulse of life in Union Square.
“‘Bright Nights Out’ marks an exciting new chapter in Union Square’s public art program,” said Julie Stein, Executive Director of the Union Square Partnership. “With ‘Patterned Behavior’ transforming the historic Pavilion into a must-see evening destination, plus an exciting range of local business deals, discounts, and special offerings—we’re inviting visitors to make a night of it. Come experience this spectacular lighting installation and enjoy the incredible restaurants and shops that make Union Square shine.”
“We’re fascinated by how people move through familiar public spaces and architecture and how those movements become part of our social rhythm,” said Ryan Edwards, Co-founder and Principal of MASARY Studios. “With ‘Patterned Behavior,’ we’re inviting the public to see and hear how their presence shapes the spirit of Union Square–a living canvas of light, sound, and motion. We’re honored to bring this piece to life, creating a different way for people to interact with the energy that’s already there.”
Using super-synchronized lighting displays, the installation acts as an urban musical instrument, depicting the intersecting pathways that bring people together in Union Square. Pedestrians “play” the instrument as they move about the area – their presence triggering sound and light events, collectively contributing to the rhythm of the district. The lighting is accompanied by MASARY’s original score of upbeat, synthesized sound that will uniquely evolve based on the moment’s activity. Together, the music and motion harmonize with the city’s natural energy, creating a multisensory celebration of urban life and honoring Union Square’s legacy of connection and convergence.
“Union Square is one of our most iconic public spaces, and this installation brings its energy to life in a completely new way,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "This installation transforms the everyday rhythms of the park into something joyful and unexpected, inviting New Yorkers to rediscover a space they thought they knew. We’re proud to partner with the Union Square Partnership and SBS to bring more art, light, and connection into our public realm this winter.”
“The flip side of the short hours of sunshine in NYC's winter months are the long, sparkling evenings and nights. With 'Patterned Behavior,' the Union Square Partnership brings innovation and new interactions to the beloved city tradition of commercial district lighting,” said NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Dynishal Gross. “Combined with the marketing of local business specialties, this work will give New Yorkers a new reason to play, smile and make beautiful moments with loved ones, neighbors and like-minded strangers. The Department of Small Business Services is grateful for the creative excellence of the Union Square Partnership's leaders and Masary Studios, making this Public Realm Grant investment into a new and joyous experience for all.”
MASARY has been a fixture in the immersive installation space, blending sound, light activity and performance since it was founded in 2015. The artist-owned collective has produced a number of permanent and temporary installations across the country and internationally, including Boston, Denver, Mexico City, Austin, Texas; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Richmond, Va.
Together with City partners, USP reimagines public spaces with bold, inspiring works of art that reflect community values and the unique character of the neighborhood through the USQArt program. These installations spark dialogue, celebrate creativity, and strengthen the sense of connection among residents and visitors alike. Each year, Union Square becomes a dynamic canvas for public art–from the annual 7,500-square-foot street mural on 14th Street, most recently Turning Point by New York–based artist Yuke Li, to striking sculptures presented in partnership with NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program, including Recess: Reads by Fitzhugh Karol, The Space Between Us by Risha Gorig, and NYC Legend by Alexander Klingspor (with Mollbrinks Gallery).
“Patterned Behavior” will be viewable from January 16–February 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM each evening on Union Square Park’s North Plaza and Pavilion on 17th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue South.