Gorilla Sculpture at Hudson Yards

The Gorilla Sculpture at Hudson Yards: A Monumental Tribute to Wildlife in the Heart of NYC

Public art can transform a bustling urban environment into a place of reflection, curiosity, and engagement. One of the most captivating installations in recent years is the Gorilla Sculpture at Hudson Yards — officially known as King Nyani. This remarkable piece stands not just as a work of art, but as a powerful symbol of wildlife conservation, human connection to nature, and creative expression in one of New York City’s most vibrant districts.

In this blog, we’ll explore the origins and symbolism of the Hudson Yards gorilla sculpture, why it’s a must‑see attraction, and how it beautifully ties into broader themes of wildlife appreciation — including gorilla trekking with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.

King Nyani

What Is the Gorilla Sculpture at Hudson Yards?

At the heart of Hudson Yards’ Bella Abzug Park sits an extraordinary bronze sculpture of a gorilla named King Nyani. Created by internationally acclaimed artists Gillie and Marc Schattner, this installation was unveiled as one of the largest bronze gorilla sculptures in the world.

The name Nyani means “gorilla” in Swahili — a nod to the creature’s African heritage and the deep connection between wildlife and human culture. This sculpture measures over 20 feet long and more than 8 feet tall, weighing several thousand pounds. Its immense scale makes it impossible to ignore, yet its presence is gentle and inviting — with hands large enough to hold multiple visitors at once.

The Story Behind the Artwork

This sculpture isn’t just an astonishing feat of art and engineering; it has a heartfelt backstory rooted in real life experiences and conservation awareness.

The artists Gillie and Marc encountered a family of mountain gorillas during their travels in Uganda. The encounter moved them deeply — not because of the gorillas’ strength, but because of their compassion, social bonds, and emotional intelligence. These traits inspired the creation of King Nyani, a work that counters stereotypical portrayals of gorillas as threatening or dangerous and instead highlights their gentle, familial nature.

The installation is part of the broader Love The Last project — an artistic initiative designed to bring critically endangered species into public consciousness through large‑scale art. By situating King Nyani in an urban park, the artists hoped to spark global dialogue about conservation and the importance of protecting the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Why King Nyani Is a Must‑Visit Photo Opportunity

If you’re exploring Hudson Yards — one of Manhattan’s most popular destinations — the Gorilla Sculpture is a standout attraction worth making time for. The sculpture’s interactive design lets visitors sit in its palm, providing one of the most unique photo‑ops in New York City.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a tourist seeking distinctive NYC experiences, or a family looking for engaging outdoor activities, King Nyani delivers. Its location near other Hudson Yards highlights like The Vessel, The Edge, and the High Line makes it easy to include in your NYC itinerary.

Symbolism and Conservation Message

What makes this sculpture more than a visual spectacle is its meaning and message. King Nyani serves as a reminder of the fragility of wildlife species in a rapidly urbanizing world. Mountain gorillas, native to parts of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are among the most endangered primates on Earth — with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild today.

The placement of this powerful image of a gorilla in one of the world’s busiest cities is intentional. It brings the distant plight of these animals into the daily lives of city dwellers and tourists alike — forging empathy, sparking curiosity, and encouraging action to protect endangered species globally.

From Hudson Yards to the Wild: Why Conservation Matters

For many visitors who fall in love with the Gorilla Sculpture, the next step is to learn more about the real habitats of these magnificent creatures. If you’re inspired by King Nyani and want an unforgettable adventure in the wild, gorilla trekking in Africa offers a profound way to connect with these animals in their natural habitat.

Plan your next adventure with — where you can experience mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). These experiences are not just tourist attractions — they play a crucial role in supporting conservation and local communities.

Learn more about gorilla trekking tours and why this once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey should be on your bucket list at .

**How Visiting King Nyani Connects You to Global Conservation**

Experiences like seeing the Gorilla Sculpture can deepen awareness about wildlife protection. But the conversation doesn’t have to end when you leave Hudson Yards. By choosing responsible travel and supporting conservation‑focused tours — like those offered by Monumental Expeditions and Safaris — you help ensure that future generations can see gorillas not just in art, but in the wild.

Trekking with groups that practice sustainable tourism directly benefits local economies and conservation efforts. And when you share your experiences online — social media posts, blog stories, or even travel photos — you help spread awareness about these incredible animals and the need to protect them.

Planning Your Visit to Hudson Yards

If you’re heading to New York City, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

1. Explore Bella Abzug Park

Follow pedestrian pathways to the park where King Nyani is (or was) displayed. The green space offers a relaxing area amid the towering skyscrapers of Hudson Yards.

2. Pair With Other Hudson Yards Attractions

Hudson Yards is home to The Vessel, The Shed, and plenty of shopping, dining, and public art spots. Combining them makes for an enriching day of art, culture, and sightseeing.

3. Bring Your Camera

The gorilla sculpture is one of the most photographed installations in NYC. Whether you’re snapping solo shots in its palm or wider cityscape images, this is a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss.

4. Learn and Share

Use your visit to learn about gorilla conservation. Share facts, stories, and your photos with others to help keep the conversation going.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Sculpture

The Gorilla Sculpture at Hudson Yards isn’t just an impressive visual experience — it’s a powerful ambassador for wildlife conservation, artistic expression, and global awareness. From its roots in Uganda to its installation in New York City, this sculpture bridges continents, cultures, and communities through the universal language of art.

And if seeing this majestic piece inspires you to learn more or take action, consider exploring real gorillas in their natural habitat with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris — turning curiosity into meaningful adventure and conservation support.