Where to see the giant 21-foot pigeon set to take over the NYC skyline
Colombian artist Iván Argote's giant 21-foot pigeon sculpture, "Dinosaur," will be installed on the High Line in October for 16 months, celebrating the presence of pigeons in the city and challenging traditional monuments honoring great but often dishonorable men.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – A giant 21-foot pigeon sculpture will take over the Manhattan skyline starting in October, High Line officials announced on Wednesday.
The new hyper-realistic sculpture, "Dinosaur," is an aluminum casting by Colombian artist and filmmaker Iván Argote. The latest public artwork is the fourth commission for the ongoing Plinith program, which aims to make New York City a landmark destination for public art.
"Iván Argote's Dinosaur will add great wit to the skyline of New York," said Cecilia Alemani, the Donald R. Mullen, Jr. Director & Chief Curator of High Line Art. "Iván has a charming ability as an artist to take something familiar and make us consider it anew in profound ways. His sculpture for the High Line Plinth adds a critical yet funny perspective to the ongoing dialogue of public art."
"Dinsosaur' was first submitted for proposal in 2020 and selected from 80 proposals. Argote's proposal received divided opinions during the selection process, with many New Yorkers expressing strong feelings of affection or disgust for the iconic urban wildlife, officials said
Argote explained that the artwork's title refers to the pigeon's ancestor, which dominated the earth for millions of years. Pigeons are descendants of the dinosaur group, including the Tyrannosaurus rex, according to the Natural History Museum.
Iván Argote, Dinosaur, 2024 (rendering). A High Line Plinth commission. On view October 2024 — Spring 2026. Image courtesy of the artist and the High Line. 
Iván Argote, Dinosaur, 2024 (rendering). A High Line Plinth commission. On view October 2024 — Spring 2026. Image courtesy of the artist and the High Line. 
Iván Argote, Dinosaur, 2024 (rendering). A High Line Plinth commission. On view October 2024 — Spring 2026. Image courtesy of the artist and the High Line. 
Iván Argote, Dinosaur, 2024 (rendering). A High Line Plinth commission. On view October 2024 — Spring 2026. Image courtesy of the artist and the High Line.
According to High Line officials, "Dinosaur" celebrates its presence in the city while challenging the traditional monuments honoring great but often dishonorable men.
The large sculpture has bright seedy orange eyes and a light green patina on the neck. The bird's body appears spotted and dirty, covered in grime. Photos show its deep red claws gripping the podium on which it stands.
"Dinosaur" will be installed in October and stay on the Highline for 16 months, according to officials.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.