Newport Beach, California is known for its coastal villas and upscale lifestyle, but one of its most structurally unique and costly displays of installation art that both captures children’s imagination and befuddles locals and visitors alike: “Bunnyhenge.” Located in the heart of Newport Beach a few steps from city hall, “Bunnyhenge” features human-sized stone bunnies sitting peacefully in a circle, somewhat reminiscent of Stonehenge.
Created by the designers at PWP Landscape Architecture, as quoted by California Curiosities, “Bunnyhenge” is an outdoor installation that transforms an ordinary, flat green space into a surreal and whimsical oasis. The installation consists of 14 white bunnies, each uniquely adorned with differently colored expressive eyes and intricate white fur patterns. These bunnies, with oversized ears and beady eyes, seem to come to life, creating a sense of harmony within the circle. As your gaze shifts away from the bunnies, it’s almost as if they come to life, only to transform back into statues upon meeting your eyes once more.
As reported by ABC Los Angeles, these alluring bunnies started a surprising fuss within the Newport Beach city council. With each bunny costing over $14,000 to create in 2014, many of the city’s residents opposed such expensive art. Residents and council members were concerned that the spending on these bunnies — $221,000 total — was senseless and unnecessary. They argued that these bunnies and other sculptures in the park should be torn down and replaced with playgrounds or other “functional” forms of community recreation.
However, as Newport Beach does not have a playground deficit, the significant health, cultural, and economic benefits of public art are well worth the cost, according to Housing Matters. Such benefits, including alleviating social anxiety, creating jobs, attracting tourists, and increasing revenue for the city, are just as important in strengthening the economy and minds as jungle gyms are in strengthening motor skills.
Additionally, the idea that children should only engage in traditional, recreational play ignores the vast cognitive benefits that public art can provide.
In a 2022 metastudy on the effects of public art, researchers from Griffith University found that public art has broad benefits in 8 categories: placemaking, society, culture, economy, sustainability, wellbeing, wisdom, and innovation. In contrast to the structured play of playground equipment, public art encourages creativity and critical thinking, expanding young minds while fostering a meaningful appreciation for creativity, cultural diversity, and community connection.
Although the bunnies were quite the investment, Newport Beach isn’t exactly strapped for cash. As reported by the L.A. Times, Newport Beach emerged from the pandemic in 2021 with a $31 million surplus, meaning that maintenance for the bunnies accounts for less than a fraction of a percent of just the surplus alone. Overall, the long-term benefits of the bunnies for our children and broader community culture far outweigh the cost, and recognizing and respecting the importance of public art will leave a lasting impact on Newport Beach.
