After the success of the yearlong exhibit of A Wild Life for Wildlife, the celebrated international artists Gillie and Marc  present the world’s largest bronze octopus sculpture outside the World Trade Center Oculus in the Wildlife Wonders exhibition. With these sculptures, the public can touch, play, and encounter wildlife in a way they never would be able to in real life.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the debut sculpture, ‘The Arms of Friendship.’ This sculpture invites people to experience true awe by sitting on a tentacle belonging to the world’s biggest bronze octopus. This colossal sculpture, spanning an impressive 36 feet, it cradles some of our planet’s most iconic and endangered creatures within its eight limbs. This 7-tonne sculpture is cast bronze and crafted with meticulous detail, but unlike other public installations of this scale, this sculpture is designed to be touched and felt. 

Additionally, the exhibition features two of their signature interactive sculptures that continue to highlight the crucial message of conservation. The second sculpture in the exhibition is a dinner party like no other, in the bronze piece titled ‘The Wild Table of Love’. This artwork invites anyone to a symbolic banquet in bronze, where the table is set for both humans and animals.

The third sculpture is titled ‘The Hippo Was Hungry To Try New Things With Rabbitwoman’. This artwork represents a poignant conversation between a hippo and Rabbitwoman. The hippo, often misunderstood as bad-tempered and dangerous, yearns for space and waterholes to thrive. 

The installation brings a fun, interactive experience that people of all ages can enjoy while also sparking meaningful dialogues about wildlife conservation and human connection. These sculptures are on exhibit on South Oculus Plaza from July 2024 through July 2025. 

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About Gillie and Marc

British and Australian artists, Gillie and Marc have been called “the most successful and prolific creators of public art in New York’s History” by the New York Times. Gillie and Marc are redefining what public art should be, spreading messages of love, equality, and conservation around the world. Their highly coveted sculptures and paintings can be seen in art galleries and public sites in over 250 cities.