The Great Elephant Migration Transforms Beverly Hills Into a Powerful Wildlife Tribute
The Great Elephant Migration Transforms Beverly Hills Into a Powerful Wildlife Tribute
This summer, Beverly Hills is home to a different kind of star power—100 life-sized Indian elephant sculptures, each hand-crafted by Indigenous artisans, now standing tall in Beverly Gardens Park as part of The Great Elephant Migration.Running July 1 through August 1, this extraordinary public art installation stretches along Santa Monica Boulevard from Rodeo Drive to Rexford Drive, forming a symbolic migratory path in the heart of Los Angeles. But beyond the visual spectacle, it tells a poignant story of environmental urgency, cultural heritage, and cross-species empathy.
Handcrafted Giants With a Deeper Message
Each elephant sculpture is built on a steel frame and covered in dried lantana camara, an invasive plant species in India. The material choice is intentional—a creative act of environmental restoration, transforming ecological imbalance into storytelling through art.The elephants themselves are based on real individuals—rescued calves, tuskers, and matriarchs—with their backstories enriching the emotional weight of the exhibit. Among them: Chaimu, an orphaned elephant from Kenya, and Madhubala, who was reunited with her family in India after years of captivity. These lifelike tributes explore the deep bonds between humans and elephants, making the invisible visible.
Wrapped in History: A Fusion of Fashion, Culture, and Memory
Starting July 20, a powerful new layer will be added to the installation: 70 of the sculptures will be draped in ceremonial blankets, custom-designed by a diverse collective of artists and designers. Titled Wrapped in History, this phase includes contributions from Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, and Native American artisans.Each blanket is a canvas of cultural identity and reverence, telling stories that span continents and generations—reminding us of the shared responsibility we all hold in protecting Earth’s biodiversity.
A Final Farewell With a Purpose
On August 1, the installation concludes with a public gathering titled “Kiss Them Goodbye.” More than a closing event, it’s a celebration of connection, coexistence, and collective action. Attendees will be invited to reflect on what these elephants represent—not just artistically, but ethically.The exhibit supports a range of wildlife NGOs and amplifies the efforts of conservationists working across India, Africa, and beyond. Its message is clear: we share this world, and we must protect it together.
Free, Accessible, and Open to All
The Great Elephant Migration is open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, free to the public, and fully ADA-compliant. Whether you're a curious tourist, a local art lover, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of nature and culture, this exhibit is designed to move you—emotionally, ethically, and spiritually.So come walk the path, meet the herd, and witness what happens when art, activism, and ancient wisdom converge. These elephants may not move, but their presence leaves a mark that’s anything but still.
