In celebration of Iván Argote’s Dinosaur—the striking 17-foot-tall aluminum pigeon sculpture at the Spur on the High Line—and National Pigeon Appreciation Day, the High Line presented Pigeon Fest, a full-day festival celebrating pigeons, urban ecology, and public art. Taking place along the half-mile stretch of 30th Street on the High Line, the festival featured free public programming including pigeon-themed carnival games, family-friendly art workshops, a Pigeon Impersonation Pageant, panel discussions around related themes, and a concert presented in collaboration with the Birdsong Project.
Pigeon Fest also featured a Discovery Fair, where over a dozen organizations engaged in work around birds, urban wildlife, migration, and monuments shared information about their important work, host demonstrations, and present hands-on activities. Pigeon Fest brought together artists, musicians, scientists, horticulturists, activists, educators, and the public to play and learn together, while exploring the intersection of art, nature, and city life.
Pigeons first arrived in the US via Europe, likely in the 1800s. They were kept as domesticated animals and were once indispensable as military messengers in both World War I and World War II, saving hundreds of soldiers’ lives. Many of these pigeons received gallantry awards and were celebrated as war heroes, before technology eventually rendered them obsolete. Today, pigeons are our largely derided and despised neighbors. By spotlighting this misunderstood bird, Iván Argote and the High Line seek to reconsider who deserves to be honored and memorialized, while opening broader conversations around our urban ecosystem and how we can better share our city with nature and wildlife.
Pigeon Fest on the High Line. Presented on June 14, 2025, in conjunction with Iván Argote's Dinosaur, a High Line Plinth commission. Photo by Rowa Lee. Courtesy of the High Line.
Pigeon Fest on the High Line. Presented on June 14, 2025, in conjunction with Iván Argote's Dinosaur, a High Line Plinth commission. Photo by Rowa Lee. Courtesy of the High Line.
Pigeon Fest on the High Line. Presented on June 14, 2025, in conjunction with Iván Argote's Dinosaur, a High Line Plinth commission. Photo by Rowa Lee. Courtesy of the High Line.
Pigeon Fest on the High Line. Presented on June 14, 2025, in conjunction with Iván Argote's Dinosaur, a High Line Plinth commission. Photo by Rowa Lee. Courtesy of the High Line.
Pigeon Fest on the High Line. Presented on June 14, 2025, in conjunction with Iván Argote's Dinosaur, a High Line Plinth commission. Photo by Charlie Rubin. Courtesy of the High Line.
Pigeon Fest on the High Line. Presented on June 14, 2025, in conjunction with Iván Argote's Dinosaur, a High Line Plinth commission. Photo by Rowa Lee. Courtesy of the High Line.
Pigeon Fest on the High Line. Presented on June 14, 2025, in conjunction with Iván Argote's Dinosaur, a High Line Plinth commission. Photo by Rowa Lee. Courtesy of the High Line.
Pigeon Fest on the High Line. Presented on June 14, 2025, in conjunction with Iván Argote's Dinosaur, a High Line Plinth commission. Photo by Charlie Rubin. Courtesy of the High Line.
