In early 2025, a captivating new art installation, “Star Light Star Bright,” was brought to Hoboken’s waterfront. This interactive pavilion at Pier A Park is the brainchild of designers Nancy Hou and Josh de Sousa of the Brooklyn-based studio Hou de Sousa. The installation, commissioned by the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA), aims to provide a vibrant communal space for residents and visitors alike.
“Star Light Star Bright,” Hou de Sousa’s first project in New Jersey, officially opened to the public on February 5 and will remain in place until the first week of May. The pavilion’s design features over 9,000 feet of fluorescent paracord arranged in a star-shaped configuration. By day, the structure offers a striking visual against the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline backdrop. As night falls, the pavilion transforms, with its cords shimmering under ultraviolet light, creating a luminous spectacle that enhances the waterfront’s nocturnal ambiance.
Visitors are encouraged to walk through and around the pavilion, immersing themselves in its vibrant hues and dynamic forms. The arched entryways frame the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, inviting casual passersby and dedicated art enthusiasts to engage with the space.
The HBA’s commitment to enriching Hoboken’s public spaces through art is evident in its previous installations. In 2023, the city featured an array of miniature glass houses, and in 2024, towering “Electric Dandelions” illuminated the waterfront with their 28-foot-tall steel and LED structures. “Star Light Star Bright” continues this tradition, offering a fresh and interactive experience for the community.
For those planning a visit, the optimal time to experience the pavilion’s full effect is during the evening hours, when the ultraviolet lights accentuate the fluorescent materials, casting a mesmerizing glow. The installation is free and open to the public, making it an accessible attraction for individuals and families seeking to explore Hoboken’s artistic offerings.
“Star Light Star Bright” graces Pier A Park, enhancing Hoboken’s waterfront band’s aesthetic appeal and fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Residents and visitors should immerse themselves in this artwork, which celebrates the fusion of art and public space in the city’s heart.
