Artists’ monumental hot dog sculpture, now with patriotic toppings, returns to Times Square
The 65ft hot dog sculpture by artists Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw is back in Times Square. Titled Hot Dog: The Second Serving, the massive frankfurter now features red, white, and blue decorations alongside a golden, winged figure of Liberty. It will remain on display through August 8, continuing its daily routine of rising at noon to release a shower of confetti over the plaza.
This return coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States. The artists designed this piece to mirror the initial 2024 installation while adapting it to reflect current national tensions. They stated that while the sculpture serves as a piece of Americana, it also highlights the shifting meanings of national symbols and myths over time.
The project maintains a balance between lighthearted spectacle and pointed social critique. During the installation ceremony on July 22, contestants performed in an American-themed pageant judged by figures including Waris Ahluwalia and Curtis Sliwa. The sculpture contains specific references to ongoing political discourse, including the button used to trigger the daily confetti eruption.
Anna Starling, director of Times Square Arts, notes that the installation serves as a stage for questioning what the nation celebrates. By placing this piece in such a high-traffic location, Catron and Outlaw force viewers to look at a familiar cultural icon through a different lens. Whether viewed as an earnest celebration or a satirical jab, the sculpture demands attention from everyone walking through the heart of New York City.
Ultimately, the project asks spectators to consider the complex history behind the food itself. Catron and Outlaw focus on the people who produce, sell, and consume these products as a way to tell a broader story about the country. The result is a piece that invites public engagement while leaving plenty of room for interpretation regarding the state of the union.