Taking Flight: Ivan Argote’s “Dinosaur” Soars Above NYC

Perched majestically over 10th Avenue and 30th Street on the High Line, a feathered resident has taken its place in the New York City skyline—“Dinosaur”, a 16-foot-tall aluminum pigeon, created by Bogotá-born, Paris-based artist Iván Argote. This colossal bird, towering above passersby, redefines what we consider worthy of a monument while inviting us to reflect on themes of migration and belonging.

Pigeons, often dismissed as mere city nuisances, are, in fact, New York icons. And just like so many New Yorkers, they, too, are immigrants. It’s believed pigeons arrived in the U.S. from Europe in the 1800s. Now, they are as much a part of the cityscape as skyscrapers and steam grates. Argote’s monumental pigeon captures this perfectly—elevating the humble bird into a proud emblem of resilience and identity.

The sculpture’s thought-provoking title, “Dinosaur,” hints at the larger-than-life status of pigeons in urban ecosystems. Argote challenges us to reconsider the everyday symbols around us, asking what we choose to immortalize in art and history. As the MetroCard phases out, it feels like the perfect time to honor another quintessentially New York element.

And if pigeons aren’t impressive enough, here are some fun facts:

• Pigeons can recognize themselves in mirrors—an intelligence trait they share with primates.

• They were once messengers of world-changing importance, delivering critical notes during wartime.

• A pigeon named Cher Ami even earned a medal for bravery in World War I, saving nearly 200 soldiers!

“Dinosaur” is more than just a sculpture—it’s a reminder of the vibrant and diverse stories that make up New York. So next time you stroll along the High Line, stop to admire this feathered giant, a towering ode to the city’s spirit of migration and resilience.