The colorful glass panels are hard to miss, attracting kids, tourists and office workers on lunch break toward the pedestrian plaza near Madison Square Park.

Located on the pedestrian plaza sandwiched between Madison Square Park, Eataly and the LEGO store, Nova is minimalist from the outside, mimicking modern architecture, but the moment you enter it you find yourself inside a rainbow of color. Colorful glass panels act as mirrors reflecting your image back at you from various angles and making kaleidoscopic reflections onto anyone inside it or on the ground for a cool mosaic of lights. Other panels are translucent, letting you see the surrounding city through a new lens, literally.  

The installation represents a "proverbial North Star," according to organizers. Each of the "scopes" or viewing cones points to a key landmark in the neighborhood, including the oft-photographed Flatiron Building, Empire State Building and Met Life building.

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Nova casts a kaleidoscope of lights onto passersby and the sidewalk.

The sculpture is often crowded with people playing with the angles or trying to snag a colorful selfie, but this free art experience is open to everyone and worth a visit if you are in the area. Add in a trip to Madison Square Park's playground, LEGO store or even a treat at the Eataly’s newish Nutella Bar and you have a fun family outing. Check out the Mommy Poppins Flatiron Kids Guide for more ideas.

Snap a colorful selfie framed by the installation's sharp angles.

Nova by SOFTlab is the winner of the second annual Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition. The piece opened in November and will remain up through January 4, 2016 as part of the Flatiron District’s 23 Days of Holiday Cheer, which includes giveaways, promotional events and an ongoing photo scavenger hunt.

Lead image courtesy of Flatiron BID. All others by Mommy Poppins.