Chloë Sevigny to open long-time friend Carsten Höller's first permanent slide in the US

Belgian artist and former scientist, Carsten Höller has been commissioned to install the first permanent slide tower in the United States at Aventura Mall in Miami. Carsten’s large-scale slide installations are world renowned and have been exhibited at the Tate Modern and Hayward Gallery among many other cultural institutions. The slide has been installed at the mall which is known for its world-class contemporary art collection in order to “promote joy” and a feeling “somewhere between delight and madness.”

A celebration of the site-specific work will take place on 11 February in an altogether fitting manner: the artist’s long-time friend, actress Chloë Sevigny, will join him in taking a ride in tandem down the double-barrelled slide. Comprised of two titanium steel tubes that visitors can access by climbing a central spiral staircase, Höller describes the installation as “isometric.” Titled the Aventura Slide Tower, “sliders” can choose to descend either clockwise or anti-clockwise and reach speeds of 15 miles per hour.

“We are proud to have such an iconic, interactive work free and open to the public,” says Jackie Soffer, co-chairman and CEO of Turnberry Associates, owner and manager of Aventura Mall. “We hope that Aventura Slide Tower becomes a new landmark for the Miami community and visitors alike.”