So, I follow Misschloenyc who has posed and posted pictures with Ms. Hippo on Instagram. Seeing the cute hippo instantly made me want to go see her. The 2.5 ton-statue, designed by Danish artist Bjørn Okholm Skaarup, was installed across from the Flatiron building on 22nd Street and Broadway. She was across from Lincoln Center way back in 2017 – but now she is back and is going to stay through Thanks giving.
“Standing over 15 feet high, Hippo Ballerina has found a happy home among New York’s skyscrapers… I am delighted when people of all ages interact with the bronze sculpture, as they pass, smiling and even posting photos to #dancewithhippoballerina. I know that Hippo Ballerina will enjoy living downtown!” said the artist, Skaarup, in a statement.
The statue was inspired by the dancing hippos in the classic Disney film Fantasia as well as Degas’ “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” (Petite danseuse de quatorze ans). The new installation of the statue was made possible through NYC DOT Art & Event Programming, Cavalier Galleries and the Flatiron Partnership.
“The Flatiron District is a storied part of New York City which has taken on new and exciting roles as a booming residential and commercial district,” states Anna Gillis of Cavalier Galleries. “We are very happy to call it Hippo Ballerina’s new home!”
WanderAndWonderWithME 
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