On This Day: Philippe Petit's Iconic High-Wire Feat

  • August 7, 2021
A black and white historical photo shows Philippe Petit holding a long pole as he does a hire-wire walk between the Twin Towers. The buildings of lower Manhattan can be seen below him.
PHILIPPE PETIT'S HIGH-WIRE WALK BETWEEN THE TWIN TOWERS. AP PHOTO/ALAN WELNER.

Forty-seven years ago today, the Twin Towers became the site of "the artistic crime of the century" when French high-wire artist Philippe Petit spent 45 minutes walking and performing between them on a tightrope, without a net. Thousands gathered to watch from the streets of lower Manhattan, a quarter of a mile below, as Petit laid down, saluted the sky, and waved hello to birds. 

Petit spent six years studying the Twin Towers, their construction, and wind conditions in preparation for what he called "le coup," a feat that would become the subject of award-winning documentaries, films, a children's book, and one of New York's most iconic images. He was initially arrested for the unauthorized act, but charges were dropped on the condition that he perform an aerial show for children in Central Park.

The idea of the death-defying walk first came to Petit, reportedly, when he saw a drawing of the proposed Twin Towers while waiting at the dentist's office in 1968.  

"If I see two towers, I have to walk," Petit said. "Anything that is giant and manmade strikes me in an awesome way and calls me." 

Petit's daring effort is included in the Museum's historical exhibition

By 9/11 Memorial Staff

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