Brooklyn Artists Return to Times Square with Monumental Hot Dog Installation

A towering, 65-foot hot dog sculpture has returned to the heart of Manhattan, courtesy of Brooklyn-based artists Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw. Titled "Hot Dog: The Second Serving," the installation serves as a follow-up to the duo's 2024 exhibition and was redesigned to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary.

The sculpture, now adorned with patriotic bunting and topped with a golden figure of Lady Liberty, is intended to provoke conversation regarding national identity, consumer culture, and the construction of American myths. According to the artists, the work aims to reflect the complexities of contemporary society through the lens of a highly marketed, universally recognized food item.

The installation was inaugurated on July 22 with an event titled "The Most American Pageant Ever!," hosted by Catron, Outlaw, and artist Abby Lloyd. The pageant featured a panel of judges, including Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, actor Waris Ahluwalia, comedian Lily Marotta, and Creative Time Executive Director Jean Cooney, alongside a variety of performers.

Beyond its static presence, the sculpture functions as a daily performance piece. At noon each day, the massive hot dog rises above Duffy Square, accompanied by a burst of confetti. The artists noted that the choice of Times Square as a venue was deliberate, citing the location as a global epicenter for spectacle and consumerism.

Catron and Outlaw, whose previous large-scale works have been featured at the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, stated that their goal is to present an interpretation of the current cultural landscape. The exhibition is free to the public and will remain on display around the clock at Duffy Square until August 8, 2026.