The Great Elephant Migration | Welcome to New York
The elephants have arrived in the Big Apple to take over Manhattan.
The Great Elephant Migration has officially arrived in New York City, and the herd is already creating a buzz. Elephant Family’s extraordinary installation of 100 life-size elephant sculptures marks the city’s largest public art display since Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s iconic The Gates in 2005! The installation opened on Friday and will be in New York until October 20th.
The Elephants Take Manhattan
Our majestic elephants have made their way across five key locations in New York’s Meatpacking District (Gansevoort Plaza; 14th St.; Christopher St.; near the Whitney Museum; & Horatio St.).
The largest herd can be found on 9th Avenue, with a special addition also appearing at our Love Brand & Co. pop-up store.
The Grand Unveiling
We kicked things off with an animistic blessing of the elephants at Gansevoort Plaza, setting the tone for what’s sure to be an unforgettable journey. The vibrant afternoon included music and dancing and culminated in guests showering the herd with flower petals in a shared love for nature and Mother Earth.
Afterwards, we raised our glasses with a few celebratory drinks and introduced some of the exclusive merchandise on offer—Ezra the Elephant was a crowd favourite!
This past Tuesday, there was also a conservation-themed panel at Chelsea Market, delving into the mission behind The Great Elephant Migration. And mark your calendars for September 23rd, when the festivities continue with a vibrant neighbourhood parade that’s not to be missed!
Right: Love Brand & co. Founders Oliver and Rose Tomalin with the elephants
Echoes of Nilgiri
Dodie Kazanjian, founder of Art&Newport, which co-organised the exhibition’s U.S. tour with Elephant Family, described to The New York Times how The Great Elephant Migration mirrors “how it is when you’re in India, with the elephants walking through the streets”.
Each sculpture is modelled after a real elephant from the Nilgiri Hills of Southern India, by the Indigenous artisans who live alongside them. The elephant sculptures replicate the symbiotic human and animal coexistence present in these communities and encourage others to share space.
LOVE BRAND & Co. Pop-up
As the official merchandise partner for The Great Elephant Migration, we’re thrilled to offer exclusive merchandise goodies that give back to conservation efforts. 50% of all sales on all G.E.M merchandise and 10% of sales on a capsule of LOVE BRAND & Co. will be donated to Elephant Family USA. Stop by 423 West 14th Street, where our store will be open daily 10:00AM to 5:30PM and take home a piece of the journey.
We will be keeping you updated on all things elephants as the city’s streets come alive in this celebration of art, conservation, and the animals that inspire it. With the installation running until October 20th, there’s still plenty of time to witness the magic for yourself. And don't forget to visit us at 423 West 14th Street, explore the beautiful sculptures, and take home a piece of The Great Elephant Migration, knowing that every purchase supports Elephant Family USA’s work.
Images courtesy of Mark Warner & ©BrakeThroughMedia
The Great Elephant Migration
Find out more about the global fundraising adventure created by Elephant Family.
The Making of the Elephants
Continuing our 'Tales From the Tusk' series, discover how the sculptures were made and by why.
Official The G.E.M. Merchandise
LOVE BRAND & Co. is proud to be the official merchandise partner of The Great Elephant Migration.
