Where Giants Take Flight: The Extraordinary Bamboo Birds of Blithewold
Imagine standing beneath a 30-foot-tall crane, its graceful neck stretching toward the Rhode Island sky, or watching a peahen's 20-foot tail shimmer in the ocean breeze. These aren't living creatures, but rather part of an extraordinary artistic installation that's transforming one of New England's most cherished historic estates into a magical aviary of monumental proportions.
A Marriage of History and Innovation
Blithewold Mansion isn't just another historic house. This 33-acre summer estate, with its grand views of Narragansett Bay, tells a story of American ingenuity and artistic vision that began in the 1890s. Now, it's writing a new chapter with six colossal bamboo birds that have "nested" across its sprawling grounds.
These magnificent sculptures are the work of The Myth Makers, international artists Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, who have transformed sustainable materials into something truly extraordinary. Their creation isn't just art for art's sake – it's a powerful statement about environmental consciousness and our relationship with the natural world.
A Journey Through Time and Nature
As you approach Blithewold, you're first greeted by the aptly named "The Greeter," a towering Eastern bluebird that stands 15 feet tall. This magnificent creature sets the stage for what lies ahead: an artistic journey that weaves through the estate's exceptional collection of rare and unusual plants, specimen trees, and whimsical stonework.
Each bird has been strategically placed to complement the estate's natural beauty. Bessie's Peahen, named in honor of the estate's original matriarch Bessie Van Wickle, stands proud near the mansion with its spectacular 20-foot tail creating dancing shadows on the manicured lawns. The mysterious Bittern lurks among the garden's lush borders, while the majestic Queenfisher surveys its domain from a prominent perch.
The crown jewel of the collection is the 30-foot Sandhill Crane, whose presence transforms the scale of everything around it. Even the estate's century-old trees seem to bow in respect to this bamboo giant. Finally, the Giant Owl, wisdom personified in bamboo and air, keeps watch over the grounds as day turns to dusk.
More Than Meets the Eye
What makes these sculptures truly remarkable is their environmental consciousness. The artists craft their works entirely from sustainable materials, with bamboo serving as the primary medium. This fast-growing, renewable resource absorbs more carbon dioxide than hardwood trees, making these art pieces not just visually stunning but environmentally meaningful.
The Myth Makers have a history of creating such monumental works, having installed their bamboo birds in locations across the globe. Each installation tells its own story, but, here at Blithewold, the birds seem to have found their perfect home.
A Destination Worth the Journey
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum anchors the heart of Bristol, Rhode Island, a quintessential New England waterfront community that offers much more than just this remarkable exhibition. This charming coastal enclave packs more character per square mile than places twice its size. The historic streets come alive with America's oldest Fourth of July parade, a red-white-and-blue spectacle that's been marching down Hope Street since 1785. Between the parade crowds, cyclists and joggers hit the East Bay Bike Path, a scenic 14.5-mile trail that hugs the coastline from Bristol to Providence. Tree-lined neighborhoods showcase perfectly preserved colonial homes, many dating back to the 1700s, while Colt State Park offers 464 acres of winding trails and rocky beaches overlooking the bay. After experiencing the bamboo birds, guests can explore the mansion's 45 rooms filled with family heirlooms, stroll through gardens that range from mysterious to exotic, or simply sit and watch sailboats glide across the sparkling waters.
Why This Matters
In an age where environmental consciousness meets artistic expression, the Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds at Blithewold represent something larger than themselves. They're a reminder of nature's grandeur, human creativity, and our responsibility to preserve both. These sculptures challenge our perception of scale, sustainability, and the role of art in environmental dialogue.
The installation has transformed Blithewold from a must-see historic estate into an unmissable artistic destination. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a nature lover, a history buff, or simply someone who believes in magic, these bamboo birds offer something extraordinary. They prove that sometimes the most powerful statements about our relationship with nature come from recreating it on a scale that makes us all feel small again.
Planning Your Visit
The exhibition runs until August 11, 2025, giving art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and curious travelers plenty of time to plan visits. Spring flowers bloom around the structures' bases, and summer breezes make the pieces dance in the sunlight.
The mansion welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 AM to 3 PM, though hours may vary seasonally. If you are looking to arrive early or stay a bit later the grounds are open Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM . For the most immersive experience, plan to spend at least half a day exploring both the bamboo birds and the estate's other attractions. Bring your camera – these sculptures create stunning photo opportunities at any time of day, but particularly during golden hour as the sun sets over Narragansett Bay.
The Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds aren't just sculptures; they're a destination, a reason to travel, and a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary experiences come from the perfect marriage of history, art, and nature. In the end, they're more than worth the journey, no matter how far you have to fly to see them.
For additional information on the art and artists please visit here.
