In a vibrant convergence of art, science, and environmental activism, Hell’s Kitchen is now home to Botanical Pulse—New York City’s first-ever pollution-fighting mural using Airlite, a revolutionary air-purifying paint recognized by the United Nations. Unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 2, this bold new public artwork is the result of a partnership between the international nonprofit Yourban2030 and NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher (District 3).
Located adjacent to Hell’s Kitchen Park, Botanical Pulse marks a major milestone in sustainable public art and kicks off a larger initiative aimed at turning urban walls into agents of environmental change.
Painted by acclaimed Italian muralist Fabio Petani, the mural is not only a striking visual addition to the neighborhood—it’s also a literal breath of fresh air. Thanks to Airlite technology, the mural will actively neutralize pollution equivalent to the emissions of 43 cars every day for the next decade.
“This isn’t just public art—it’s a bold statement about who we are and where we’re going,” said Council Member Bottcher. “From climate action and gender equality to clean air and local greening, Botanical Pulse is helping turn big ideas into visible, tangible change.”
At the heart of this project is Veronica De Angelis, founder of Yourban2030 and a pioneer in the movement to integrate art with sustainable urban innovation. Since first introducing Airlite murals in the U.S. in 2022, De Angelis has been spearheading a campaign to merge aesthetic beauty with ecological function.
“These murals represent more than aesthetics—they offer a measurable contribution to cleaner air and civic well-being,” said De Angelis. “We are proud to bring this pioneering technology to a New York City park for the first time, and we are deeply grateful for the support of Council Member Bottcher and the Hell’s Kitchen community.”
Botanical Pulse is part of Yourban2030’s Walls of Tomorrow campaign, an initiative inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The organization envisions a future in which cities become open-air museums of climate consciousness—where walls tell stories of renewal, resistance, and regeneration.
To deepen the impact and accessibility of the mural, visitors can scan an on-site QR code created by Ecosapians to purchase digitized versions of the artwork. A portion of proceeds will support The Hort, a fund dedicated to planting trees throughout Manhattan’s west side. A second QR code will unlock Bloomstorm, an original ambient soundtrack by Akawalk, transforming the space into a multi-sensory experience.
With this landmark project, Hell’s Kitchen has become a living canvas for environmental change—a neighborhood where creativity doesn’t just decorate the streets but helps clean the very air its residents breathe.
For more information:
Visit www.yourban2030.org or follow @yourban2030 on social media.
To view the mural, visit Hell’s Kitchen Park.
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