100 Life-Size Elephant Sculptures Arrive In Boston

Each elephant was handcrafted by more than 300 Indigenous artisans from the Nilgiri Hills in southern India.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 6, 2026 9:02 AM EDT

BOSTON, MA — A herd of 100 life-size elephant sculptures has arrived on Boston's Commonwealth Avenue Mall ahead of the opening of a free public art exhibition later this week.

The installation is part of The Great Elephant Migration, a mile-long outdoor exhibit that will be on display through Sunday, Sept. 13 along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall between Arlington and Fairfield streets.

ALERT: A herd of 100 life-size elephants have arrived in Boston overnight.

The stunning sculptures will line Comm Ave Mall as part of a FREE mile-long outdoor art exhibit now through September 13.

🤎 pic.twitter.com/YNSJCi71JK— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) August 5, 2026

Each elephant was handcrafted by more than 300 Indigenous artisans from the Nilgiri Hills in southern India using Lantana camara, an invasive plant that has damaged forests in the region. Organizers say removing the plant helps restore wildlife habitat while supporting local artisans. Every sculpture is modeled after a real wild elephant.

Boston is one of several cities to host the traveling exhibition, which has previously appeared in Newport, New York City, Miami, Houston, Jackson Hole, Browning, Montana, and Los Angeles. The project was created to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the coexistence of people and elephants.

The main herd will line the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, while smaller groups of elephant sculptures will also appear at hotels, cultural institutions, and businesses throughout Boston as part of a citywide trail.

Many of the sculptures are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting wildlife conservation organizations. Local beneficiaries include the New England Aquarium and the Boston Public Art Triennial.