This October, the High Line in Downtown Manhattan will welcome a new, unexpected resident—a 16-foot-tall pigeon sculpture named ‘Dinosaur.’ Created by Colombian artist and filmmaker Iván Argote, this massive artwork is set to redefine how we view one of New York City’s most common yet underappreciated creatures.
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Pigeons, often dismissed as mere city pests, are given a new life through Argote’s eyes. The artist sees them as emblematic of New York’s spirit: resilient, omnipresent, and uniquely adapted to urban life. “When Argote proposed this work in 2020, it was clear that this colossal, hyper-realistic sculpture of a pigeon would both ruffle feathers and resonate with New Yorkers, perched atop the High Line Plinth at 30th Street. “Dinosaur,” like the pigeons that inspired it, bears witness to our city’s evolution and confronts us with our ever-changing relationship with the natural world and its inhabitants,” it is said on The High Line’s official Instagram account.
Located at the intersection of Tenth Avenue and 30th Street, ‘Dinosaur’ is more than just a large bird. It’s part of the High Line’s celebrated plinth activation series, which has previously showcased eye-catching pieces like Pamela Rosenkranz‘s fluorescent pink tree and Simone Leigh‘s ‘Brick House’ from 2019. Argote’s sculpture is expected to be a significant draw, encouraging passersby to stop and engage with the art.
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Argote’s ‘Dinosaur’ stands as a totem of urban resilience. He describes the sculpture as a symbol of the enduring aspects of city life that persist through time and change and hopes the artwork will evoke a mix of curiosity, admiration, and even a touch of fear, making it a profound addition to New York’s public art scene.
From October through Spring 2026, ‘Dinosaur’ will be on display, offering an intriguing juxtaposition to the sleek urban environment of the High Line. Its presence will invite visitors to rethink their daily interactions with the city’s avian residents, transforming a simple pigeon into a powerful symbol of the urban experience.
As the High Line prepares to host this extraordinary piece, both locals and tourists will have the opportunity to witness Argote’s imaginative reimagining of the pigeon. This sculpture is a thoughtful commentary on the intertwined lives of humans and pigeons in New York City.
