Thousands streamed through Central Park yesterday to bid farewell to “The Gates,” the $21 million public art project that filled the landscape with bright orange gates, masses of sightseers, and a seemingly endless array of opinions.

“This is sort of a moment to soar in spirit and joy,” said Sita Culman, of Baltimore. “It’s here and then it’s gone tomorrow. Enjoy the moment.”

Teams hired by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude were to begin taking down the 7,503 gates this morning, a process expected to last about two weeks. The thousands of tons of raw steel and orange plastic are to be reborn as paint rollers, steel rebar, PVC pipe, and other everyday items.

The park’s 23 miles of footpaths filled with tourists and New Yorkers yesterday seeking a final glimpse or rushing in for a last-minute, first-time visit.

“It’s one of those things – you’ve either been there and seen it, or you haven’t,” said Guy Teschmacher, an architect from Vermont touring the park with his daughter. “We knew it was do or die this weekend, so we had to do it.”

The sky was crystal clear. Chilly breezes sent nylon curtains billowing in the sun, as they did on February 12 – the first day of the 16-day installment.

“It’s kind of sad,” said Claire Whitehead, a 23-year-old nursing student. “It was nice seeing people out here with their kids and their dogs.”

Among the saddest to see “The Gates” depart was Rajan Sen, who opened his family’s hot dog stand at the edge of the Great Lawn a month early to accommodate the crowds. Mr. Sen said, “We sold so many hot dogs, and also the pretzels.”