A crystal‑laden tribute to the beautiful game
A glittering sphere, studded with more than 20,000 Austrian crystals, now sits behind a glass case in the heart of Times Square, drawing the eyes of World Cup visitors and locals alike.
The artwork, the brainchild of New York‑based artist Susan Flanagan, required nearly 200 hours of meticulous labor, each crystal painstakingly set to form the iconic black and white pattern of a soccer ball. Flanagan’s creation is priced at $10,000, a figure that reflects both the material cost and the artistic effort, though the piece is not intended for sale.
Joe Calderone, creative director of the famed eatery Serendipity3, commissioned the ball to mark the tournament’s arrival in the city and to celebrate the surge of tourists flooding the streets. “We wanted something that captures the excitement of the World Cup while giving passersby a moment of wonder,” he explained.
The installation has already earned praise from onlookers such as Ryan Copelin of Philadelphia, who described the piece as “absolutely stunning,” and Jennifer Garland of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, who marveled at the level of detail. Their reactions underscore the ball’s ability to bridge sport, art, and luxury.
Serendipity3, known for its over‑the‑top ice‑cream sundaes and a client list that includes celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Blake Lively and John Travolta, opened a second outpost on West 47th Street earlier this year. To mark the occasion, the restaurant is serving a special FIFA Fireworks Sundae, blending vanilla ice cream, raspberry‑blood orange sorbet, blue raspberry syrup and carbonated sugar sprinkles.
The crystal ball remains under constant guard, displayed behind glass to protect its delicate surface and justify its hefty price tag. While fans can admire and photograph the work, they are asked to resist the urge to touch it.