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In the shadow of the Empire State Building, a nine-foot-tall gorilla gazes toward the iconic skyscraper. A few steps away, a massive brown bear raises its head curiously, and a polar bear lifts a paw into the air. These gigantic sculptures newly placed along Park Avenue look remarkably lifelike—and incredibly cute.
They also raise important messages about the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world, especially endangered species. The sculpture collection by renowned French artist Michel Bassompierre titled "Fragile Giants" is on view along Park Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets. This open-air gallery is free to visit through May 11, 2026.
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The powerful open-air installation features nine monumental animal sculptures, which stand tall as majestic figures among the city's skyscrapers. Many of the sculptures have already toured through Europe, but there's one sculpture that was unveiled exclusively for New York City. Titled "Le Majestueux (The Majestic)," it's Bassompierre's largest gorilla sculpture to date. Find it at the corner of Park Avenue and 34th Street with a serene presence and noble form meant to honor the strength and dignity of its species.
This reconnection with the beauty of nature is necessary to make people want to protect it.
"We need to create wonder," the artist said in a press release. "This reconnection with the beauty of nature is necessary to make people want to protect it."
Bassompierre was born in Paris in 1948 to an artist mother and a scientist father, and developed a passion for drawing and the animal world from a very young age—a fascination that continued as he became a sculptor. The artist is known for his perfectly mastered anatomy and design, whether he's sculpting in bronze or marble. He evokes a tenderness for each animal, inviting viewers to reflect on the fragility of nature.
The public art exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, Galeries Bartoux, and the Patrons of Park Avenue, and the New York City Department of Parks.
