The Great Elephant Migration Community Blessing | Meatpacking District

A stop-you-in-your-tracks public art installation will be unveiled in New York City’s Meatpacking District on Sept. 6: The Great Elephant Migration, a traveling herd of 100 life-sized Indian elephant sculptures handcrafted with the stalks of an invasive plant. Spread across the District, the herd will captivate people of all ages while amplifying indigenous knowledge and sharing a message about human-wildlife coexistence and conservation worldwide.

One of the largest public art installations in New York City since Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Gates in 2005, The Great Elephant Migration marks the first time a “migration” of this scale and purpose will take place. This global fundraising adventure benefits indigenous and community-led conservation efforts—specifically, conservation NGOs supporting remarkable people around the world who have found ways to live alongside lions, leopards, elephants, and some of the planet’s most challenging animals—and inspire peaceful, symbiotic human and animal coexistence. 

Residents and visitors alike will finally be able to see the elephants at key gateways and plazas throughout the pedestrian-friendly Meatpacking District. Viewers are encouraged to capture photographs of these incredible sculptures as they stand out amongst the urban landscape.

Elephant Family USA and the Meatpacking District Management Association (Meatpacking BID) are marking the occasion with a press conference and cultural celebration. The event will feature opening remarks from several of the organizations involved in bringing the project to life, accompanied by live music, dance performances, and a traditional blessing of the sculptures.

Public Viewing of the Installation

Friday, September 6 – late October 2024, outdoors and on display seven days a week

Visitors and locals alike can admire the magnificent statues throughout the District, where they will be placed at key gateways and access points, including: Gansevoort Plaza, outside The Whitney Museum, Hudson River Park, and more. Further programming and activities taking place in the District tied to the elephants’ visit will be announced soon. For viewing location information in the Meatpacking District, visit meatpacking-district.com.