55-Foot Nevelson Sculpture Housed in Long Island Synagogue Is For Sale

The massive white sculpture, titled "The White Flame of the Six Million," has been on display at Temple Beth El in Great Neck, New York since 1970.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A 55-foot-long, 16-foot-high Louise Nevelson sculpture titled "The White Flame of the Six Million" has been housed in the sanctuary of Temple Beth El in Great Neck, New York since 1970. The sculpture, commissioned and donated to the synagogue by members Wilfred and Rose Cohen, is now being sold as the congregation downsizes its space. The synagogue has contracted with art dealer Ann Freedman to find a new home for the large-scale Nevelson work.

Why it matters

The Nevelson sculpture is a significant work of art that has been an integral part of the Temple Beth El community for over 50 years. Its sale represents the changing demographics and needs of the synagogue, as well as the broader challenge many religious institutions face in maintaining and displaying large-scale artworks.

The details

The White Flame of the Six Million was commissioned for Temple Beth El in 1970 when the synagogue expanded its sanctuary to accommodate a growing congregation. The sculpture, one of the largest Nevelson ever created, features carved white shapes that evoke fire, smoke, and rising bodies, referencing the Holocaust. Nevelson was a known figure in the Great Neck community, having taught adult art classes there in the 1950s. The synagogue is now selling the artwork as it downsizes its space due to declining membership.

  • The sculpture was commissioned and installed at Temple Beth El in 1970.
  • In the mid-1980s, Temple Beth El had 1,500 member families and a 500-family waiting list.
  • Today, the synagogue has dwindled to 400 member families and no longer needs its large sanctuary space.

The players

Temple Beth El

A synagogue in Great Neck, New York that has housed the Louise Nevelson sculpture "The White Flame of the Six Million" since 1970.

Wilfred and Rose Cohen

Members of Temple Beth El who commissioned and donated the Nevelson sculpture to the synagogue in 1970.

Louise Nevelson

The renowned American sculptor who created the 55-foot-long, 16-foot-high white sculpture for Temple Beth El in 1970.

Ann Freedman

The founder of FreedmanArt and former director of Knoedler Gallery, who has been contracted by Temple Beth El to sell the Nevelson sculpture.

Maria Nevelson

The granddaughter of Louise Nevelson and the founder of the Nevelson Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“This is a work of art that goes beyond a work of art. It was handmade by the artist. People have prayed in front of it for over 50 years. When do you get to buy a major work out of a private chapel?”

— Ann Freedman, Founder, FreedmanArt

“She used it to get to a higher level of spiritual existence. She used to say it brings you to a fourth level.”

— Maria Nevelson, Granddaughter of Louise Nevelson

What’s next

The real estate deal for Temple Beth El's property could be completed as early as this summer, at which point the Nevelson sculpture will need to be removed from the synagogue.

The takeaway

The sale of this significant Nevelson sculpture highlights the challenges religious institutions face in maintaining and displaying large-scale artworks as their needs and congregations evolve over time. The sculpture's future will depend on finding a new home that can properly preserve and exhibit this important work.