Stairwell Drawings

Nine life-size surreal drawings by David Byrne installed on the stairwell walls of Pace Gallery's New York flagship, reflecting his playful sensibility.

Why go

Byrne's drawings occupy the gallery's stairwell landings across six floors, creating an immersive architectural intervention that invites viewers to physically encounter the figures at life-size scale—a distinctive curatorial choice that transforms a utilitarian space into an exhibition venue.

What to expect

Nine wall drawings rendered at life-size scale on the stairwell landings between the first and seventh floors, featuring Byrne's characteristic surreal and playful imagery. The works are on view indefinitely.

Things to know

• Drawings produced over several days in April 2025.
• Nine works installed across stairwell landings spanning six floors.
• Figures rendered at life-size to encourage direct confrontation and new modes of experience.
• Byrne's first major exhibition with Pace was in 2003.
• Five-decade career spanning drawing, photography, installation, performance, and design.
• On view indefinitely at Pace's 540 West 25th Street location.