The 2000s were a period of continued creativity and public engagement for Christo and Jeanne-Claude, characterized by their commitment to large-scale environmental art projects. During this decade, they executed one of their most iconic and widely celebrated installations, and laid the groundwork for future projects that would come to fruition even after Jeanne-Claude's passing in 2009. "The Gates" (1979-2005): The most significant project of the 2000s was "The Gates," realized in New York City's Central Park in February 2005. This monumental installation consisted of 7,503 gates with free-flowing saffron-colored fabric, covering 23 miles of pathways throughout the park. The idea for "The Gates" was conceived in 1979, but it took over two decades of negotiation and planning to bring it to life. The project was finally approved in 2003 with the support of then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "The Gates" was on display for 16 days and attracted millions of visitors, transforming the winter landscape of Central Park into a vibrant, immersive experience. The project was entirely self-financed through the sale of Christo’s preparatory sketches and models, ensuring complete artistic independence (The Art Story) (Artnet News). Preparatory Work and Future Projects: In the 2000s, Christo and Jeanne-Claude also focused on planning and preparing for future installations. They continued to create and exhibit preparatory drawings, sketches, and models, which were essential for funding their projects. These exhibitions provided insights into their meticulous planning process and helped build anticipation for their upcoming works. Notable among their planned projects was "Over The River," an ambitious installation involving the suspension of fabric panels over the Arkansas River in Colorado. Although Jeanne-Claude did not live to see this project realized, Christo continued to work on it, demonstrating their enduring commitment to their shared vision (The Art Story) (Artland Magazine). Public Engagement and Legacy: The 2000s were also a time of significant public engagement for Christo and Jeanne-Claude. "The Gates" exemplified their ability to create art that resonated with a broad audience and transformed public spaces. The installation encouraged visitors to interact with the art and the environment, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. This decade solidified their reputation as artists who could create large-scale works that were both visually striking and deeply meaningful. Jeanne-Claude's Passing: Jeanne-Claude passed away in November 2009, marking the end of an era for the collaborative duo. Her death was a significant loss to the art world, but Christo continued to honor their shared legacy by working on projects they had planned together. Jeanne-Claude’s role in managing the logistical and financial aspects of their work was instrumental in bringing their ambitious visions to life. Her contribution to their partnership was celebrated and remembered as Christo moved forward with their projects (Artnet News). Post-2009 Developments: After Jeanne-Claude's passing, Christo continued to work on several projects they had envisioned together. This included the realization of "The Floating Piers" in 2016, which was one of their long-conceived projects. The commitment to their art and the continued development of their ambitious installations highlighted the strength and endurance of their creative partnership. The 2000s were a decade of significant achievement and transition for Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Their work during this period, particularly "The Gates," exemplified their ability to transform public spaces and engage with a broad audience, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary art. Through their projects, they continued to challenge perceptions and invite viewers to experience the world in new and imaginative ways.