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Writer's picturePatricia Feuser Melo

Travel Guide to New York: Charging Bull in Wall Street


Charging Bull - one of the must-see attractions in New York.
Patricia acquiring prosperity alongside the Charging Bull.

I love New York, and I prepared this post to help you with your travel plans. I want this post can be like a travel guide to New York - so you'll get the most from New York. One of the tourist symbols of New York, the Wall Street Bull is a must-visit for everyone visiting the city.

I believe the interest in the sculpture is due to its exclusivity and its ability to represent the strength of the New York financial market, and consequently, the United States.

The Wall Street Bull, also known as the Charging Bull, was created by the Italian sculptor Arturo Di Modica. On December 15, 1989, at 1 a.m., Arturo and 30 friends unloaded this 3,200kg bronze bull in front of the Stock Exchange. The group had eight minutes between one police patrol and another to position the sculpture, but they managed to accomplish the feat in less than 5 minutes. Later, the bull was removed for obstructing traffic and not having permission to stay there. Due to protests, the Parks Department gave it a temporary home on Broadway north of Bowling Green Park, where it remains to this day as the unofficial mascot of Wall Street. The sculpture of an enormous bronze bull, weighing about 3,000 kilograms and measuring nearly 4 meters in height and 5 meters in length, was built between 1987 and 1989, following a difficult period faced on Wall Street during the 1980s. Arturo di Modica, the artist behind the bull, decided to create this sculpture precisely as a symbol of the courage and virility required to overcome moments of crisis.

It all began between the end of 1986 and the beginning of 1987. On October 19, 1987, the Dow Jones index of the American Stock Exchange fell, astonishingly, by 22.61%. This was because, at that time, the U.S. economy was recovering from a severe recession with rapid growth. However, this acceleration began to slow down in the early months of 1987, even with the Dow Jones advancing significantly. It was the time of the Kuwait War, and the United States was being heavily threatened by Iranian offensives. And October 19 became known as Black Monday.

Di Modica reported feeling indebted to the United States for welcoming him and enabling his success. Wanting to give something back, he conceived the sculpture of the Charging Bull. Di Modica spent the following two years creating the bronze sculpture, financing the cost of $350,000 on his own. The sculpture was created in his studio on Crosby Street and later cast in a local foundry. Once complete, Di Modica spent the next few nights observing police patrols on Wall Street, trying to find a window of opportunity. Before dawn on December 15, 1989, Di Modica arrived with a group of friends and the sculpture in the back of a truck and discovered that a 40-foot Christmas tree had been installed during the day exactly where he wanted to place the sculpture. With only four minutes between police patrols, he announced, "Leave the bull under the tree—it's my gift." The late-night event ended up making headlines worldwide, including the front page of the New York Post. Di Modica remained by the sculpture to greet morning commuters. However, while he was out for lunch, the New York Stock Exchange arranged for the removal of the sculpture. Due to public demand for the bull's return, Parks Commissioner Henry Stern arranged for the installation of the sculpture at Bowling Green on December 20, where it can still be found today.

Di Modica's original concept was to inspire every person who came into contact with the sculpture to continue fighting with strength and determination during difficult times in the future. While talking to art critic and writer Anthony Haden-Guest, Di Modica later explained:

"My goal was to show people that if you want to do something in a moment when things are really bad, you can do it. You can do it alone. My point was that you should be strong."

The Italian sculptor Arturo Di Modica alongside his creation, the Charging Bull.
Arturo di Modica and the Charging Bull

To visit the bull, it's quite easy. The sculpture is located on Broadway in Bowling Green Park. To get there, locate the attraction on Google Maps and choose your means of transportation—walking, biking, or taking the subway—and the fastest route will be provided. The nearest subway station is Bowling Green. Upon exiting the station, walk west, and within a few meters, you will come face to face with the world's most famous bull.

Legend has it that those who touch its testicles will be blessed with great financial prosperity! I'm already waiting for my turn!

The Wall Street Tour is located in the southern part of Manhattan Island in the region called Lower Manhattan or Downtown, and there are many cool attractions to see nearby, such as Battery Park (where boats depart for the Statue of Liberty), Wall Street itself, and the New York Stock Exchange, where you can take a photo with the Fearless Girl. Don't forget that you will be at the beginning of Broadway. Nearby, you'll also find Fraunces Tavern and Museum and Stone Street, the first paved street in New York.

Near the Bull, you'll find several dining options. If you're looking for something quick, you can find Liberty Bagels, Subway, or even Whole Foods - an organic supermarket where you'll also find restrooms. Another option for public restrooms is to walk 3 minutes south to the public restroom in Battery Park.

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