Looking up, we noticed a preponderance of owls around New York City. Given the owl’s mythological and symbolic connection to wisdom, it’s not surprising to find them at the city’s institutions. Below are some notable owls we’ve spotted so far- what other owls can you add to the list?
1. Alma Mater at Columbia University
The Alma Mater statue sits imposingly at the foot of Columbia University‘s Low Library. Student legend has it that the first student in each incoming class to spot the owl hiding in the folds of the statue will be the valedictorian of the class.
2. The Owl on Central Synagogue
An owl is perched on the facade of Central Synagogue in Midtown, on the 55th Street facade. It seems to fit in, color-wise with the deep blues and teals of the stained glass windows. We are told by the archivists at Central Synagogue that it was addd to keep the birds away.
3. Owls at Herald Square
Two owls flank the clock statue at Herald Square
Perhaps the owls at Herald Square are the eeriest. On the northern end of the statue, an owl-and-stars symbol is stamped on the door. Looking up at the sides of the clock, two owls are on either side. While this raises some questions, it’s at night that things start to get eerie when the eyes start to turn on and off with a flickering green light. Scouting NY and the Bowery Boys each noticed these as well.
One of the Two Owls at the Entrance to Herald Square
The square itself is the location of the former New York Herald Building and the owls are a tribute to James Gordon Bennett Jr., the newspaper publisher. Gordon Bennet Jr. was so obsessed with owls, he kept several live ones in his office and even planned to be buried in a 125-foot owl-shaped mausoleum by the architect Stanford White (who was murdered before said monument could be built).
These particular owls were two of many that ringed the facade of the Herald building and Gordon Bennet Jr. had their eyes light up every hour at the hour. Today they flicker on and off continuously throughout the night.
Only at night do their eyes flicker green
4. 719 Greenwich St
Unexpectedly sitting atop the entrance to 719 Greenwich Street
In the heart of the West Village, on Greenwich Street between Perry Street and Charles Street, an anonymous owl sits on top of a residential building. The existence of the owl is a puzzle to neighbors and owners alike.
5. 26 Broadway, a.k.a. the Standard Oil Building
An irregular pentagonal structure, the Standard Oil building was designed by Thomas Hastings, part of the duo that designed the New York Public Library
The Standard Oil building, landmarked in 1995, is pictured above from the Broadway side. The building was not originally meant as a skyscraper however as the company grew and expanded, the directors commissioned Thomas Hastings to build a skyscraper facing both Broadway and Beaver st.
The owl of wisdom sits at the centre of the facade, which features a zodiac sky
In related aviary news, but less lofty of a character, check out our recap of an amazing “Pigeon-Related Landmark Tour” of NYC we went on! You can also check out how we tracked down the eagles of Penn Station and the original Grand Central.
