V-J Day in Times Square, New York City
Facts and practical information
V-J Day in Times Square is an iconic photograph that captures the jubilation felt around the world at the end of World War II. Taken on August 14, 1945, by photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt, the image features an American sailor passionately kissing a woman in a white dress—a dental assistant named Greta Zimmer Friedman—amidst the celebrations in New York City's Times Square. This spontaneous moment has become synonymous with the relief and exuberance experienced on Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day), marking Japan's surrender and the conclusion of the war.
While there isn't a physical "site" to visit for this moment in history, the photograph itself has become a cultural landmark, often reproduced in various forms and referenced in media. For tourists visiting Times Square today, it is a reminder of the historic significance of the location—not just as a hub of entertainment and commerce but also as a canvas for some of the 20th century's most memorable scenes.
Times Square, situated in the heart of Manhattan, continues to be a central gathering place for celebrations, including New Year's Eve, and for collective expressions of national sentiment. Visitors to Times Square can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere that has drawn crowds for over a century, and while there, they can reflect on the timeless image of joy that "V-J Day in Times Square" represents.
The photograph is held in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration, and reproductions or prints can often be found at local galleries or museums in New York City. For those interested in the history of the era, further exploration can be done at the nearby New-York Historical Society or the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Midtown Manhattan (Theater District)New York City
V-J Day in Times Square – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: One Times Square, Times Square, 750 Seventh Avenue, Times Square.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which popular attractions are close to V-J Day in Times Square?
How to get to V-J Day in Times Square by public transport?
Bus
- West 42nd Street & 7th Avenue • Lines: M42 (4 min walk)
- 200 West 42nd Street • Lines: M42 (4 min walk)
Metro
- Times Square • Lines: S (4 min walk)
- 49th Street • Lines: N, Q, R, W (5 min walk)
Train
- Grand Central Terminal (15 min walk)
- New York Penn Station (17 min walk)
Ferry
- Midtown/West 39th Street (25 min walk)