Scale models of The Kelpies measuring 15 feet high
Scale models of The Kelpies measuring 15 feet high

New York Tartan Week will run from April 4th through the 8th, with a parade on Saturday, April 5th. In recognition of the contributions made by Scottish Americans, Bryant Park has brought in the latest work of Scottish sculptor Andy Scott.  In his piece, The Kelpies, the artist pays homage to Scotland’s supernatural water horses for Celtic folklore.  The original pieces are 100 feet high and sit in The Helix Parkland in Falkirk, Scotland – monumental sculptures depicting supernatural water horses from Celtic folklore.  They are said to be the largest public artworks in Scotland and the largest equine sculptures in the world. Now you can see models of them right in Bryant Park!

The Kelpies depick supernatural water horses from Celtic folklore.
The Kelpies depick supernatural water horses from Celtic folklore.

Scale models of The Kelpies measuring 15 feet high will be touring the United States and as a kick-off to Tartan Week, they are the current exhibit in Bryant Park replacing Analogia on the Sixth Avenue side. In partnership with the American Scottish Foundation and The Helix Project, Bryant Park will have them on display until April 23rd.  In this short video, you can watch the artist at work.

A view of The Green and The Knubb along the Sixth Avenue side
A view of The Green and The Knubb along the Sixth Avenue side

Also new this month at Bryant Park is “The Green” – a five-hole putting green, and The ‘Knubb’ – a Scandinavian game similar to lawn bowling.  These green spaces are side by side next to The Kelpies.  Golf balls and clubs are provided free and all games are kid friendly.

Opening this month, a putting green and a Scandinavian game similar to lawn bowling.
Opening this month, a putting green and a Scandinavian game similar to lawn bowling.

And on our way out, we couldn’t help but notice that the Ping Pong area is under complete renovation, giving it state-of-the-art tables with paddles and balls provided free of charge from the park attendants.

The renovation of the Ping Pong area along 42nd Street near Sixth Avenue
The renovation of the Ping Pong area along 42nd Street near Sixth Avenue

Did you know that Bryant Park also has games that include Scrabble, Dominoes and a Mah Jongg Clinic? Hard to believe all this stuff is on top of a former cemetery….

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