World’s Largest Bronze Gorilla Sculpture, world record set in Greenwich, Connecticut
March 2025
Greenwich, Connecticut, United States--Visitors to the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut, can now encounter a nearly 5,000-pound, 23-foot-long and 8.5-foot-tall reclining gorilla. “King Nyani” (Swahili for gorilla), by public artists Gillie and Marc Schattner which offers visitors a unique interactive experience and raises awareness of the endangered species, while setting the world record for the World’s Largest Bronze Gorilla Sculpture, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.
"Visitors to the Bruce Museum can now encounter a nearly 5,000-pound, 23-foot-long and 8.5-foot-tall reclining gorilla. “King Nyani” (Swahili for gorilla), the world’s largest bronze gorilla sculpture, offers visitors a unique interactive experience and raises
awareness of the endangered species," the official press release says.
"Renowned public artists Gillie and Marc Schattner found inspiration for “King Nyani” on a trip to Uganda. During their visit, they were captivated by a male silverback gorilla’s kindness and compassion with his family. They vowed to rewrite the narrative of the violent, terrifying ape often conveyed in movies and acquaint people with the softer, gentler r, gentler native of the magnificent beasts."
"The artists rendered their friendly ape lying down on his side with his legs slightly pulled up and his right arm curled as if hugging a child. His open hand invites visitors to sit and feel both his strength and serenity.
“‘King Nyani’ is both a stunning work of art and a clarion call for the conservation of these critically endangered animals,” notes Robert Wolterstorff, the Susan E. Lynch executive director and CEO of the Bruce Museum. “He, therefore, marvelously exemplifies the Bruce’s mission to ‘cultivate discovery and wonder by engaging a broad audience through the power of art and science.’
"The artists created three editions of the King Nyani sculpture. The third edition is now in place at the Bruce Museum on long-term loan from an anonymous donor," the official press release says.
"The first edition is currently at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, and the second sculpture will be installed at the Taronga Zoo Sydney in Australia."
"Children have been joyously scrambling onto “King Nyani (BIG)” (2021), a 23-foot-long, 8-and-a-half-foot-tall primate, who has been reclining on the grounds of the Bruce Museum near its entrance since he arrived wrapped in black plastic via flatbed truck on Earth Day, April 22," the Gillie and Marc says.
"Museum officials are calling Nyani, whose name means “gorilla” in Swahili, the “world’s largest bronze gorilla sculpture.” That appears likely, since we haven’t been able to find one taller or longer.
"Nyani is one of three editions cast by public artists Gillie and Marc Schattner, who were inspired by an affectionate family of silverbacks they saw on a recent visit to Uganda and wanted to raise awareness about the critically endangered species and change the narrative of raging, vengeful beasts seen in movies such as King Kong and Planet of the Apes."
About the Bruce Museum
"The Bruce Museum is a community-based, world-class institution highlighting art, science and natural history in more than a dozen changing exhibitions annually. The permanent galleries feature the natural sciences that encompass regional to global perspectives. The Bruce Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums," the official website says.
"Robert Moffat Bruce (1822-1909), a wealthy textile merchant and member of the New York Cotton Exchange, bought the house and property in 1858. In 1908, Robert Moffat Bruce deeded his property to the Town of Greenwich, stipulating that it be used as “a natural history, historical, and art museum for the use and benefit of the public.”
"The first exhibition ever at the Bruce Museum took place in 1912 and featured works by local artists known as the Greenwich Society of Artists, several of whom were members of the Cos Cob Art Colony."
"Named "King Nyani," the recumbent ape is 23 feet long, 8.5 feet high, and weighs over two tons. His palm is open for visitors to sit in, like King Kong. Formerly in Brookfield, Illinois; moved here in April 2024," the Roadside America says.
"It's truly a large sculpture. A grown adult can easily fit in his hand. And judging from the wear, it looks like a lot of folks have done so.
"A really big statue! The gorilla is a great photo background for large families!"
