Are the TMNT under that manhole cover?
Pop culture fans, city planners, iconic tribute enthusiasts alike will enjoy this next post! This blog highlights how Manhole Covers Direct played a part in creating the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles custom laser art manhole cover installed in a Dover, New Hampshire sidewalk to honor the 40th anniversary of TMNT and celebrate the city’s cultural connection to the franchise.
In 2023, a one-of-a-kind custom manhole cover
was unveiled in Dover, New Hampshire—the birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This laser art manhole cover isn’t just functional; it’s a piece of commemorative public art that pays tribute to the franchise’s origins and its enduring 40-year legacy.
The tribute marks the exact location
where TMNT co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird sketched the first image of the mutant heroes during a late-night drawing session in November 1983. The project was initiated by a longtime fan and Dover resident, who envisioned a commemorative marker and custom manhole cover to celebrate the city’s role in pop culture history.
After crowdfunding the project,
the organizer reached out to our team at MCD to fabricate the detailed design. Despite the complexity, our custom laser art capabilities allowed us to precisely match the concept and bring the fan’s vision to life. The result: a beautifully crafted manhole cover that merges industrial function with artistic tribute.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans were on Union Street for the unveiling of the TMNT sewer manhole cover, marking the birthplace of the comic 40 years ago this month. TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman spoke about how he and Peter Laird started their turtle odyssey at 28 Union St. pic.twitter.com/3ellCSTrjo
— City of Dover NH (@CityofDoverNH) November 8, 2023
The City of Dover embraced
the project, hosting an unveiling event in 2023 to celebrate both the 40th anniversary of TMNT and Dover’s 400th anniversary. The event featured city officials and fans alike, with Mayor Bob Carrier honoring the creators’ contributions to pop culture. Kevin Eastman attended the event and shared his appreciation for the tribute, taking time to interact with fans and pose for photos over the newly installed custom manhole cover.
For more on the unveiling and community
response, check out this article from EW.com, which highlights the local effort and legacy of the Ninja Turtles in Dover.
This permanent installation now stands as a cultural landmark,
connecting fans around the world to the town where the TMNT legacy began. It’s a shining example of how custom laser art manhole covers can serve as functional infrastructure and storytelling tools—preserving history, inspiring fans, and enriching public spaces.
Do you have an idea for your own custom art design manhole cover? Our team and MCD would love to be a part of your next big idea!
We are proud to partner with contractors and developers around America. Our South Carolina factory can supply your project with custom or stock fabricated manholes. Check out some more of our featured completed projects. And let us know if we can help you with whatever is coming up next for you.
