The Charging Bull, sometimes referred to as the Wall Street Bull, is a three-and-a-half-ton bronze sculpture from artist Arturo Di Modica that sits proudly in New York City's financial district. The bull symbolizes "the power of the American people" and representsthe spirit of New York, where anyone can come, work hard, and succeed.
Key Takeaways
- The Charging Bull is a three-and-a-half-ton bronze sculpture from artist Arturo Di Modica that sits in New York City's financial district.
- The sculpture was not commissioned but created and placed as an artistic stunt in 1989. It was eventually removed but found a permanent home in Bowling Green.
- The sculpture has become an iconic symbol of Wall Street and New York City and is a heavily trafficked tourist spot.
The Charging Bull
The sculpture was neither commissioned nor approved. Di Modica sculpted this now-famous piece between 1987 and 1989, then enlisted friends to covertly place his gift in front of the New York Stock Exchangein the early morning hours of Dec.15, 1989.
The choice of a charging bull is noaccident.The bull is a symbol of a strong stock market in which participants are optimistic and confident. The theory is that euphoric investor psychology causes investorsto buy more and more, driving the market higher.
Although the sculpture's arrival on that December day was a surprise, one that was apparently well-liked by many who passed by it, the NYSE was not as enamored by its appearance and had it removed at the end of the day; however, then-New York City Parks Commissioner Henry Stern, Mayor Ed Koch, and leaders of the Bowling Green Associationarranged for a permanent home for the sculpture nearthe north end of triangle-shaped Bowling Green, close to the intersection of Broadway and Morris Street.
A Charging Bull, aGirl, anda Pug
This icon is not only an amazing sight to behold.Many onlookers—from tourists to brokers to traders—believe that the 16-foot-longsculpturebrings luck, prosperity, and a good financial day, but on one condition: you have to rub the bull in the rear on his testicl*s, famously known as the "Bulls Balls."
In 2017, the bull was again involved in a controversywhen State Street Global Advisors installed a bronze statue of its own to commemorate International Women's Day, a life-size young girl staring down the bull.
Created by artist Kristen Visbal, Fearless Girl is meant to promote women. An inscription that accompanied the statue read, "Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference," which many saw as an advertisem*nt for State Street's Gender Diversity Index ETF, which goes by the ticker (SHE).
Not to be outdone, a few months later, New York artist Alex Gardegaadded his own element to the bronze composition—a small bronze pug urinating on the leg of the Fearless Girl.Known as the Pissing Pug, the sculpture was widely panned on social media and the artist removed it just a few hours after he placed it.Fearless Girl was meant to be a temporary installation, but in 2018 New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio gave the statue a new home in front of the NYSE.
What Does the Charging Bull Represent?
The bull in finance represents optimism and growth. The statute on Wall Street represents the same ideas; those of financial growth and prosperity associated with America, Wall Street, and New York City.
Did They Move the Charging Bull?
The Charging Bull sculpture has not been moved from its home in Bowling Green, despite some efforts to move it in front of the New York Stock Exchange. The Bull was first placed in front of the New York Stock Exchange as a guerrilla art stunt in 1989 and was removed. It found a permanent home in Bowling Green near the NYSE.
Has Fearless Girl Been Removed?
The Fearless Girl statue has been removed from its original location in front of the Wall Street Charging Bull. It now sits in front of the New York Stock Exchange.
The Bottom Line
The Charging Bull sculpture has become an icon of Wall Street and New York City. It is a heavily visited tourist attraction and represents the power of America and the city's prosperity. If you find yourself in New York City, it may be worth making a visit to see the iconic sculpture.
FAQs
What Does the Charging Bull Represent? The bull in finance represents optimism and growth. The statute on Wall Street represents the same ideas; those of financial growth and prosperity associated with America, Wall Street, and New York City.
Where is the Charging Bull statue now? ›
Description. Charging Bull is at the northern tip of Bowling Green. The 7,100-pound (3,200 kg) sculpture is in a cobblestone-paved traffic median of Broadway just north of Bowling Green. The sculpture is adjacent to 26 Broadway to the east and 25 Broadway to the west.
Why do people rub the Charging Bull? ›
Some believe that touching or rubbing the bull's testicl*s will bring good luck, especially financial luck. Over time, this act has become a popular ritual for tourists, leading to the common sight of people standing in line to take a photo with, or touch, that particular part of the statue.
What is the bull in the financial symbol? ›
The use of “bull” and “bear” to label financial markets has several different possible origins. However, the terms could come from how these animals attack: a bull thrusts its horns upward, symbolizing rising prices, while a bear swipes its paws downward, representing falling prices.
What is the Charging Bull controversy? ›
Di Modica's argument focused on the appropriation of his sculpture's context, contending that Fearless Girl altered the intended meaning of the Charging Bull. Additionally, Di Modica argued that the installation of the Fearless Girl statue constituted an unauthorized commercial use of his copyrighted work.
What does the bull symbolize? ›
The bull is a powerful animal, and its' symbolism is linked to positive traits, like strength and abundance. But it is also linked to some negative characteristics, such as death or destruction.
What is the story behind the bull of Wall Street? ›
For two years, SoHo artist Arturo Di Modica had been working on his bronze and stainless steel sculpture out of his studio. The artwork was created in response to the 1987 stock market crash. According to Di Modica's assistant at the time, it was a way for him “to encourage everybody to realize America's power.”
Where is the girl in front of Charging Bull? ›
The Journey of the Fearless Girl Statue in New York
She moved to a new home before the New York Stock Exchange. No longer facing the Charging Bull, she now stands defiantly in front of a symbol of the financial world. Her journey from Bowling Green Park to Wall Street was more than a physical move.
Is the fearless girl still there? ›
Status. As of January 2024 the statue's presence still relies on a temporary permit, the dispute over the rights to the figure is ongoing and the statue's future is not permanently decided.
How heavy is the Wall Street Bull? ›
Charging Bull, also known as the Wall Street Bull or Bowling Green Bull, is a bronze sculpture standing at 11 feet (3.4 m) tall and weighing 7,1000 pounds (3200 kg) that cost $360,000 to build.
Alfred Pennyworth : How do you know your team's strong enough? If you can't bring down the charging bull, then don't wave the red cape at it. Alfred Pennyworth : How do you know your team's strong enough? If you can't bring down the charging bull, then don't wave the red cape at it.
What religion is the bull symbol? ›
In Egypt, the bull was a symbol of the fertility god Apis. In Mesopotamia the storm god Ishkur/Adad is called “bull of heaven” and “grand bull.” In mythological texts from the ancient city of Ugarit, the bull is associated with the high god El, symbolizing both strength and fertility.
What does the Wall Street bull symbolize? ›
What Does The Bull Mean On Wall Street? Di Modica created the Wall Street Bull to symbolize America's power and resilience after the 1987 stock market crash. According to his assistant at the time, Di Modica built the statue to “encourage everybody to realize America's power.”
What does the bull symbolize in the Bible? ›
In ancient cultures, including the Israelites, bulls were highly regarded as symbols of fertility, power, and divinity. Their inclusion in apocalyptic visions speaks to the enduring symbolism and spiritual significance these animals carried. Here, horns often signify power and authority.
What does the bull charged mean? ›
It means the bull ran hard towards the man, usually with the intention to attack him.
What does a bull mean in stock market? ›
A bull market happens when stock prices have gone up 20% or more from the previous low for a sustained period of time. Propelled by the thriving economies and low unemployment that usually accompany bull markets, investors are eager to buy or hold onto securities .
What is the story behind the bull in New York? ›
For two years, SoHo artist Arturo Di Modica had been working on his bronze and stainless steel sculpture out of his studio. The artwork was created in response to the 1987 stock market crash. According to Di Modica's assistant at the time, it was a way for him “to encourage everybody to realize America's power.”
