Giant pumpkin sculpture to be unveiled outside Manhattan building

Residents and guests at one of Manhattan’s luxury rental buildings will now be greeted by one of nature’s beauties before coming through the front door.

Developer Moinian Group has announced that next week, Sky — a 71-story tower located at 605 W. 42nd St. — will unveil a giant bronze pumpkin sculpture in front of the building.

The sculpture — which weighs 2,668 pounds and measures 8 feet on all sides — was created by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and will permanently reside at the center of Sky’s motor court.

“We are deeply proud to present New York with its first Yayoi Kusama bronze pumpkin for all to enjoy,” said Joseph Moinian, CEO of Moinian Group. “It is an honor and a privilege to have such an iconic and important work of art by one of the world’s greatest living artists permanently residing in front of Sky. I hope it will become a cherished emblem of culture in the city for generations to come.”

The artist — who is drawn to vegetal and floral life — has been captivated with nature since she was a young child, growing up in a family that made a living cultivating plant seeds.

Throughout her career, Kusama has returned to the theme of the pumpkin due to her appreciation for its robustness and everyday appeal.

“It seems that pumpkins do not inspire much respect. But I was enchanted by their charming and winsome form,” the artist said in her 2011 autobiography. “What appealed to me most was the pumpkin’s generous unpretentiousness. That and its solid spiritual base.”

This is Kusama’s first permanently sited public artwork in New York and will be formally unveiled May 4.