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New York is known for its iconic animal sculptures — from Wall Street’s Charging Bull to the Public Library lions — but now, one of its most overlooked creatures is getting a moment in the spotlight: the humble pigeon.
Perched high above 10th Avenue and 30th Street in Chelsea, “Dinosaur” is a towering 16-foot-tall aluminum bird by Colombian artist Iván Argote. Unveiled in October 2024 as part of the High Line’s contemporary art program, the sculpture will remain on view through April 2026.
Replacing the previous Old Tree sculpture, this monumental pigeon marks a humorous new chapter for the Plinth. With exaggerated scale and uncanny realism, it reimagines the pigeon as a larger-than-life symbol of urban character.
Argote’s work explores themes of migration, adaptation, and public memory. A nearby plaque reminds viewers: “Even the pigeon, a New York fixture, migrated here and made the city their home.” The name “Dinosaur” is a nod to both the pigeon’s prehistoric ancestry and its evolution as a city-dweller — from messenger to lunch-hour lurker.
Since its debut, the sculpture has become a viral favorite, stopping passersby in their tracks and challenging ideas of what — and who — deserves to be monumentalized. It’s a great subject for photography as you laugh at the lifelike details. Dinosaur captures the scrappy, confident swagger of a true New Yorker.
Photography Tips
- Best Time: Golden hour (sunset), when the metal surface reflects warm light and casts dramatic shadows.
- Best Angle: Shoot from below, using the skyline as a backdrop for maximum scale and contrast.
High Line Plinth
10th Avenue & 30th Street
New York, NY 10001
