There’s a new sculpture in downtown Toronto and you’re actually SUPPOSED to climb it

So a rhino, a dog, and a rabbit pedal into Toronto’s Entertainment District…

No, we’re not setting up a punchline. There’s a new public art piece in Toronto’s Entertainment District, and you can even be part of it!

The sculpture is titled He Was on a Ride to a Safer Place and features internationally acclaimed artistic duo Gillie and Marc’s beloved characters Rabbitwoman and Dogman, along with a majestic northern white rhinoceros, riding a bicycle built for four. 

That fourth seat is empty! But we’ll get to that in a second…

Gillie and Marc have a reputation for transforming public spaces around the world with their thought-provoking works. This latest sculpture was created specifically for Toronto, and the hope is that it sparks thought, conversation, and a few fantastic selfies.

The sculpture itself is stunning, weighing in at a mighty 3,100 lbs. But that’s not all that carries gravitas. The addition of the rhino is intended to spread awareness and compassion for endangered animals and conservation efforts. 

Did you know there are only two northern white rhinos left on Earth?

Scientists have been working hard to get their numbers back up, and they’ve recently had a breakthrough with the world’s first IVF rhino pregnancy! They’re hoping to use the technology to save the northern white rhinos. We’ve got our fingers crossed!

Part of the sculpture’s purpose is to draw awareness, the other is to encourage engagement with the city. That empty fourth seat is meant for YOU – so don’t be shy! 

Hop on and go on a whimsical journey with Dogman, Rabbitwoman, and the Rhino (in your imagination, of course, the sculpture is pretty stationary).

This public art piece will be on display for one year in David Pecaut Square… but you’ve only got until Friday, June 14th to enter the contest!

The Contest

The Toronto Downtown West BIA is hosting a contest on their Instagram page to hype up the new art installation from Friday, May 31st until Friday, June 14th, 2024.

For a chance to win, follow, like and tag a friend on the contest post. For bonus entries, go check out Gillie and Marc’s sculpture and post a selfie of yourself on the bike with the hashtag #LoveTheLast, and tag @to_downtownwest.

The prize is an awesome gift package from Toronto’s Entertainment District, which includes event tickets to Yotam Ottolenghito at Roy Thomson Hall, tickets to Arcadia Earth, and a $250 gift card to Aera at The Well.

Head down to David Pecaut Square in the Entertainment District to check it out and show us your best photo!

TORONTO’S ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

When: The sculpture will be on display until May 2025
Where: David Pecaut Square in Toronto’s Entertainment District