The iconic ‘Hippo Ballerina’ sculpture is on display inside a NYC sculpture garden alongside other famous artworks

One of the most beloved sculptures to ever be on display in New York, Bjørn Okholm Skaarup’s iconic “Hippo Ballerina” has currently set up residence in Fordham University’s outdoor sculpture garden across the street from the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. 

The structure is part of the new “The Magis Sculpture Exhibition,” which features a total of 11 art pieces in partnership with Cavalier Galleries. The exhibit is free and open to the public through December, accessible using a staircase on the east side of Fordham’s School of Law by 62nd Street.

Standing 15 feet tall, the dancing bronze ballerina inspired by Edgar Degas’ beautiful sculpture “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” and the dancing hippos of Walt Disney’s Fantasia weighs a whopping 2.5 tons, including the copper tutu that has come to define the work, which has been on display all around the city throughout the years, from Pershing Square Plaza West to the Flatiron neighborhood, Dante Park and the Girl Scouts of America Building.

In addition to the hippo, visitors will be able to look through a number of Skaarup’s other sculptures, including “The Frog,” “The Majestic Lion,” “The Giraffe” and “The Ostrich.” 

“Each sculpture presents a whimsical story or allegory to decipher, with sources ranging from ancient fables and art history to music and modern animation,” reads an official press release.

American sculptor Jim Rennert’s monumental art is also represented: “Timing” and “Inner Dialogue,” previously exhibited in other parts of Manhattan, are on view as well, specifically illustrating the experiences “common to contemporary society and, perhaps, the urban environment.” 

“Timing” is the sculpture of a person anxiously looking at their watch (relatable, right?) and “Inner Dialogue” features a small figure in the palm of a larger one’s hand as a metaphor for the subconscious conversations we are constantly having with ourselves.

When visiting, make sure to scan the QR codes displayed next to each piece to learn more about the sculpture and the artist.