a day ago
100 life-sized elephants have arrived in Los Angeles as part of a free, public exhibition
This summer, Beverly Hills has been overrun—in the best possible way—by a thundering herd of elephants. One hundred life-sized elephant sculptures have officially taken up residence in Beverly Gardens Park as part of The Great Elephant Migration, a free public art exhibition and global conservation campaign running through Friday, August 1.
Spanning four blocks along Santa Monica Boulevard from Rodeo Drive to Rexford Drive, the handcrafted herd marks the grand finale of a 5,000-mile journey across the U.S. that began on the East Coast. But these aren't just photogenic pachyderms. Each sculpture was made from invasive lantana by Indigenous artisans from India's Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and modeled after real elephants known to the communities who live alongside them.
Their final push west was a symbolic convoy that crossed iconic American landscapes from Yellowstone to Joshua Tree. Along the way, the elephants were honored by tribal leaders, serenaded by drummers, escorted down the Las Vegas Strip (yes, really) and cheered by supporters from Blackfeet Nation to Beverly Hills.
The elephants arrive not just as art but as ambassadors. 'The Great Elephant Migration is more than an art installation,' said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. 'It's a powerful sign of a reminder of our joint responsibility to protect our planet and wildlife.'
On July 20, the installation gets even more stylish with Wrapped in History, a textile takeover featuring 70 bespoke blankets created by global designers. The works will be auctioned online, with the proceeds supporting wildlife coexistence efforts worldwide. And for those looking to make the magic permanent, the elephants themselves are also for sale, ranging from $8,000 to $22,000.
The grand finale is a public farewell event on August 1 called 'Kiss Them Goodbye,' hosted by luxury beauty brand Chantecaille, one of the migration's key sponsors. Snap a photo, bring a friend, maybe fall in love with a tusker—but know that this installation is here to move hearts and habitats.
