New York is a city of capitalism and big money. It’s home to the headquarters of global corporations and the New York Stock Exchange. Right next to it stands a symbol of financial resilience: the Charging Bull. It’s one of the most famous and unusual sculptures in the city. Every day, thousands of tourists come to see it. So, how did this massive bronze bull get here, and what’s its story? Read on to find out at new-york-future.
When and Why Was the Bull Statue Installed Near the New York Stock Exchange?
The U.S. has experienced many ups and downs in its history. One of the biggest economic shocks was the stock market crash of 1929. After the crisis, an Italian sculptor named Arturo Di Modica decided to create a statue that would symbolize the courage and financial strength of the American people who endured it. Di Modica, who had worked in Italy as a young man, had moved to the U.S. and found great success.
In stock market terms, a “bull” is a strong animal that represents a trader who bets on rising prices. Di Modica worked on the sculpture for two years and spent a long time looking for the perfect place to put it. When the statue was ready, he decided not to tell the New York authorities about it. He wanted to surprise Americans and make a statement. To pull off his plan, Di Modica prepared like he was on a secret mission: he spent several nights watching police patrols and mapping their schedules to find the perfect moment to install the sculpture secretly.
On the night before Christmas in 1989, the sculptor and his assistants brought the bull to the stock exchange. Di Modica spent over $300,000 of his own money to create and install the sculpture. The Charging Bull weighs 7,100 pounds (3,200 kg), stands 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall, and is 16 feet (4.9 meters) long.
How Did Americans React to the Sculpture?
The Charging Bull was a complete surprise to both the police and the public. As people approached the sculpture, Di Modica handed out flyers explaining why he had placed the bull there.
Soon, the New York Post wrote about the sculpture, dedicating its entire front page to the story. However, a problem quickly arose: the stock exchange’s management and employees were upset that the statue had been installed without their permission. On top of that, it was placed in the middle of the street, causing a massive traffic jam. By the end of the day, police brought a crane to the location and took the sculpture to a storage lot.
As it turned out, Americans loved the bull. They appreciated the sculptor’s gesture and protested its removal. As a result, the sculpture was returned, but to a new location: Bowling Green Park, near the stock exchange. Since then, the bronze bull has been a symbol of financial freedom, capitalism, and a popular New York landmark. It has also gained worldwide fame for its appearances in movies like “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Inside Man,” and “The Big Short.” Tourists often take photos with the bull. Many people believe that rubbing its horns or nose will bring them good luck.
Wall Street’s Second Symbol: Why Is There a Little Girl Statue Next to the Bull?
For 28 years, the Charging Bull remained the only statue near the stock exchange. But in 2017, it got a little rival. On the eve of International Women’s Day, State Street Global Advisors installed the “Fearless Girl” statue. It stands at 4.3 feet (1.3 m) tall.
While the bull represents power and courage, the girl’s statue draws attention to the gender inequality between men and women. A plaque near the sculpture reads, “Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference.”
The statue was created by sculptor Kristen Visbal, who wanted to inspire women to pursue their dreams and stand their ground, no matter the obstacles.
The statue was placed directly opposite the bull to create a sense of opposition. According to Visbal, she tried to give the girl a feminine and appealing look.
“She is brave, proud, and strong, but not selfish or cruel. Any woman will see herself in her,” she said, as reported by quote.rbc.ru