Known as the Charging Bull, the Wall Street Bull is the ultimate symbol of power for the New York Stock Exchange.
This impressive sculpture, conceived by artist Arturo di Modica, is situated in Bowling Green Park, in the Financial District of Wall Street, Lower Manhattan, New York City.
This popular attraction is free to visit and is almost always bustling with tourists.
Read on the blog: free things to do in NYC
Where to Find the Wall Street Bull
Close-up of the Charging Bull's face, showcasing its powerful and determined expression.
Weighing in at a massive 3.5 tons and standing 11 feet tall (3.4 meters), the bronze Charging Bull sculpture depicts a bull in a perpetual state of attack. This powerful imagery is meant to represent the aggressive financial optimism and prosperity associated with Wall Street.
Arturo di Modica’s creation was installed in front of the New York Stock Exchange under the cover of night in December 1989, a successful act of guerrilla art. Di Modica, an Italian immigrant, intended it as a gift to the city and a symbol of resilience and strength following the 1987 stock market crash.
Initially, the sculpture, a symbol of American financial power, was seized by the police and removed from its original location in 1989.
Aerial view of the Charging Bull statue in Bowling Green park surrounded by tourists and the cityscape of Wall Street.
Public outcry over the removal led the city authorities to relocate the Charging Bull to a new, nearby spot in Bowling Green. This is where it has remained ever since, becoming a permanent fixture and a must-see landmark in Lower Manhattan.
Years later, history somewhat repeated itself with the Fearless Girl statue. This bronze sculpture was initially installed facing the Charging Bull but was later moved to a location in front of the New York Stock Exchange.
Read on the blog: Fearless Girl statue in NY
The Legend of the Wall Street Bull
Birds-eye view of tourists surrounding the Charging Bull statue, highlighting its popularity as a photo opportunity.
For the New York Stock Exchange and the financial world, the Charging Bull embodies the spirit of aggressive investors who are active in the stock market, betting on rising markets – known as “bull markets.” It’s a potent symbol of financial optimism and bullish trading.
However, popular legend offers a more playful and engaging interpretation.
Close-up shot of tourists touching the testicles of the Charging Bull statue, showcasing the popular legend and tradition.
Local lore suggests that rubbing the horns, nose, or testicles of the Wall Street Bull brings good luck, prosperity, and financial fortune into your life. This quirky belief has transformed the statue into an interactive monument, encouraging visitors to engage physically with the artwork.
Whether there’s any truth to the legend is debatable, but the Charging Bull is perpetually crowded with visitors eager to test the urban myth.
Frontal view of the Charging Bull statue with tourists posing for photos and interacting with the sculpture.
The most sought-after spot is undeniably the bull’s testicles. It’s become almost obligatory for visitors to grab the bull by the balls, so to speak, in hopes of securing financial success. This area is always the most congested, with dozens of tourists vying for position as if their future wealth depended on it – all for that quintessential photo opportunity.
Book a Wall Street and Financial District tour
Bronze sculptures exposed to the elements naturally change color over time. The Statue of Liberty is a prime example of this oxidation process.
Rear view of the Charging Bull statue showing the texture of the bronze and tourists around the base.
The same phenomenon has occurred with the Wall Street Bull. However, certain parts of the sculpture, particularly the testicles, have reverted to their original bronze color. This is due to the millions of hands that rub these areas annually, in pursuit of good fortune and wealth. The constant polishing from human touch has effectively maintained the original bronze sheen in these high-contact zones.
Occasionally, a queue forms, organized by more patient visitors, but it rarely lasts. Impolite individuals often cut in line, disrupting any semblance of order.
Wide shot of the crowded Charging Bull statue with tourists surrounding it and touching different parts of the sculpture.
It’s often best to step back from the chaos for a few moments and observe the human behavior surrounding this urban legend, created years ago by someone unknown. The poses and the scramble for a photo are genuinely amusing and provide guaranteed laughs.
If you want to capture a photo without the crowds, the best times to visit are before 9 am or after 8 pm. These off-peak hours offer a more tranquil experience and better photo opportunities.
Read also: things to do in Wall Street
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How to Get to the Wall Street Bull
High-angle shot of a large crowd of tourists surrounding the Charging Bull statue, emphasizing its popularity and accessibility.
Located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, the Wall Street Bull is easily accessible by subway or even on foot if you are already in the area. Its central location makes it a convenient stop on any Lower Manhattan exploration.
The sculpture is situated in Bowling Green, considered New York City’s oldest park, established in 1733. Make the most of your visit by also exploring this historic green space, a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city.
To arrive by subway from Times Square, it’s recommended to take the 1 line (Red Line) and get off at Rector Street station. The Charging Bull is just a short 300-meter walk from the station, making it a breeze to reach using public transportation.
Wall Street Bull Address: 1 Bowling Green – New York
Is the Charging Bull Worth Visiting?
Close-up of tourists' hands touching the bull's testicles, highlighting the interactive nature of the attraction and the legend associated with it.
Anyone traveling to New York City should definitely experience the Wall Street Bull. It’s more than just a statue; it’s a cultural icon.
The sculpture is one of the most famous and recognizable in the world, not only for its symbolic representation of financial power but also for the captivating urban legend that surrounds it.
Even if you don’t believe in superstitions or urban myths, taking a photo at this iconic spot is a must. It’s an integral part of the New York City tourist experience and a memorable landmark.
Tourists taking pictures with the Charging Bull statue at night, showcasing the attraction's accessibility and appeal at all hours.
It is highly recommended to include a visit to the Charging Bull after visiting the Statue of Liberty. This allows you to efficiently utilize your travel time in Lower Manhattan and explore the Financial District’s key attractions in a single outing.
The Charging Bull is a completely free attraction, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This accessibility makes it easy to fit into any itinerary, regardless of your schedule.
For a deeper dive into the history, fun facts, and all the essential information about the Wall Street Bull, check out the Dicas Nova York YouTube channel.
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