Few arrivals have captured NYC’s imagination quite like Dinosaur, the colossal aluminum pigeon by Iván Argote that has perched on the High Line’s Spur for the past year and a half. Now, as the viral sculpture prepares to fly the coop in early April, the park is giving its feathered icon a lively New York goodbye.
On March 21, the High Line will host “Farewell, Dinosaur“, an afternoon celebration marking the end of her 18-month run on the High Line Plinth.
In a city where pigeons are a slightly annoying part of daily life, Dinosaur flipped the script, turning the humble bird into a majestic creature with a loyal following. She inspired everything from pigeon parties and pageants to online campaigns begging the park to keep her permanently roosted above Chelsea. Whether people loved her or simply loved the joke, the oversized bird was a cultural mascot.
The farewell party will harness that energy. From 12pm to 4pm, the Spur will transform into a pigeon-themed playground, complete with a live DJ set from Tommy Sparks, family workshops scattered throughout the space and rounds of trivia for those who consider themselves amateur ornithologists—or at least committed pigeon fans.
There’s also a bingo session hosted by Miriam Abrahams, winner of the city’s delightfully niche pigeon impersonation pageant with plenty of pigeon prizes. Meanwhile, Argote himself will be signing limited-edition Dinosaur posters at a pop-up from the High Line Shop, alongside a flock of themed merchandise.
Attendees are encouraged to dress for the occasion in full-on pigeon-core. Professional photos will be taken at the foot of the sculpture so visitors can document their moment with the city’s favorite oversized bird.
To no one’s surprise, advance RSVPs are already full, but walk-ups can still try their luck if capacity allows.
