The Pigeon named “Dinosaur” is taking over Manhattan, New York

Visitors from around the world are flocking to see this pigeon sculpture. The “Dinosaur” sculpture stands tall on Chelsea’s Highline. The pigeon, known as New York City’s “national” bird, hasn’t always received the appreciation it’s enjoying today.

Formerly known by New Yorkers as a “flying rodent,” pigeons were domesticated by humans for many reasons, with the most famous being the courier pigeon.

An animal surrounded by divided opinions—both love and hate.

This sculpture feels like an attempt by the artist to disassociate the pigeon from its historical context by naming it a “dinosaur.” Some might argue that the artist intended to draw a connection between pigeons and their prehistoric lineage as descendants of dinosaurs.

This clear disassociation appears to create an independent attraction rather than addressing the larger conversation. We are capitalizing on an animal that rarely receives respect in New York City. Perhaps the sculpture aimed to redirect appreciation toward the New York pigeon.

But… if appreciation was the goal, could we say this “Dinosaur” sculpture succeeded? Mediocre at best. The environmental challenges pigeons face in New York City are far from ideal, glamorous, luxurious, or safe.

Large buildings install anti-bird spikes. We’ve all seen individuals run or scream when a bird gets “too close.” Cars often drive through flocks in the street, expecting dozens of pigeons to fly away in time to avoid being killed. Pigeons are scavengers, fighting for survival every day.

If the artist had considered the hardships this animal endures, perhaps they wouldn’t have created this gimmicky representation of a pigeon that fails to align with New Yorkers’ perceptions. Instead, they could have donated funds to protect pigeons or advocated for the removal of anti-bird infrastructure on buildings.

This sculpture lacks purpose or cause beyond attracting an audience.

Shallow sculptures deserve shallow results. Not worth viewing.