Step Into Hopper with Theresa Rivera

This year, the Meatpacking District is thrilled to partner with Theresa Rivera Design for the second annual Step into Hopper installation, an immersive experience that brings Edward Hopper's iconic paintings to life. A part of West Side Fest, this year's installation is spread across three distinct locations throughout the district, transforming public spaces into interactive art pieces. We sat down with Theresa Rivera, founder of Theresa Rivera Design, to discuss her inspiration, the evolution of the installation, and the magic behind stepping into a painting.

Meatpacking District (MTPK): Tell us about yourself and the work you do.

Theresa Rivera (TR): I’m the founder of Theresa Rivera Design, a New York-based studio where creativity and big ideas come to life on screens, stages, public spaces, and more. My background in scenic and set design naturally led me to experiential design. What I love most is seeing people interact with what we create in real life, whether it’s a jaw-dropping event, an immersive brand activation, or an unexpected installation on a street corner. There’s nothing better than bringing a concept to life on a large scale and giving people an experience they didn’t see coming. Our goal is to create magical, unexpected moments that make people stop, smile, and see our city in a whole new way. At my core, I’m a designer who loves to dream big and get my hands dirty (sometimes literally, especially when florals are involved!).

MTPK: This is the second year for Step into Hopper and the first time it's part of West Side Fest. Share more about the installation and what’s different this year?

TR: This year, 'Step into Hopper' has grown in a really exciting way– the biggest difference is that the installation is now spread across three locations throughout the district, rather than being clustered at Gansevoort Plaza like last year. It’s become more of a ‘stumble upon’ experience, which I absolutely love. There’s something special about people happening upon these pieces as they move through the neighborhood; it feels like stepping into a painting in the most organic way. We also sprinkled in a few more historical details and props to help set the scene. We’re honored to be one of many incredible artists and performers participating in this year’s West Side Fest!

MTPK: Hopper’s work captures such specific emotional tones, quiet, eerie, cinematic. How did you translate those qualities into a physical space for people to step into?

TR: Hopper’s work is so rich with feeling, and translating it into a physical space is both a challenge and a joy, especially when attempting to capture the evening moodiness of “Nighthawks” in broad daylight. We focused on key architectural elements and played with the contrast of shadow and light to create some drama. We incorporated authentic vintage touches, like glassware and historical details, to more closely mimic the elements in his art. I was also meticulous with color matching, hand-mixing paints, and studying the paintings in person at the Whitney to ensure we stayed as true to his vision as possible.

MTPK: What were some of the most meaningful or unexpected responses you've seen from people interacting with the installation?

TR: One of the most meaningful moments was seeing the Whitney’s annual Hopper Ride to Nyack stop by the installation. It was amazing to watch true Hopper fans experience his work in 3D. There’s something so special about seeing people step into these paintings and connect with his 2-dimensional work in real life, but it's even better when they're superfans.

Another standout was Tillie the Clown’s couture costume in Soir Bleu. It was so detailed and perfectly styled, it felt like their character had truly come to life. Everyone involved in creating the installation gives 110% to make it as authentic as possible, and seeing people notice and appreciate those details makes all the hard work worth it!

MTPK: In an outdoor, high-traffic environment like West Side Fest, what’s something about the installation, either a detail or intention, that you hope visitors take the time to notice or reflect on?

TR: I hope visitors take a moment to notice the color theory behind the installation. It’s all about introducing these bursts of color and elements of old New York into our modern-day cityscape. There’s something so striking about that contrast; it’s like the past and present colliding in a way that makes you want to stop and really take it in. Whether it’s a sense of nostalgia, curiosity, or just a moment of connection, the goal is to create an experience that resonates and lingers with them long after they’ve walked away.