Cathedral to Unveil “Carnival of the Animals” by Acclaimed Artist Bjørn Okholm Skaarup

September 15, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A lion on a rocking horse, a giraffe on stilts, a cheetah on a scooter, a kangaroo on a Pogo stick and the stand off between the tortoise and the hare, reimagined as a potato sack race, are just a few of the whimsical scenes from Danish bronze artist Bjørn Okholm Skaarup that will be part of “Carnival of the Animals,” an outdoor sculpture exhibit on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral. Each of Skaarup’s eight bronze sculptures are inspired by ancient fables, art history, or modern animation and offer a whimsical story or allegory to decipher. The exhibit is available for public viewing from September 21, 2016 until November 28, 2016.

Press are invited to film the installation of the sculptures ahead of the exhibit’s formal opening ceremony. Media will be able to see the sculptures mounted on platforms on the west front of the Cathedral between 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.

Charles Fulcher, Director of Visitor Programs, is available for interview about the presence of the exhibit at the Cathedral, as is artist Bjørn Okholm Skaarup. Photos of the sculptures are also available upon request.

WHAT: Installation of the “Carnival of the Animals,” an outdoor sculpture exhibit on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral
WHEN: Tuesday, September 20, 2016 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. ET
WHERE: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW,

West Front of the Building, Facing Wisconsin Avenue

Media interested in filming the installation of “Carnival of the Animals” or interviewing Charles Fulcher or Bjørn Okholm Skaarup should contact Natalie Longwell, West End Strategy Team at 202-776-7700 or via email at [email protected].

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Washington National Cathedral is a house of prayer for all people called to serve as a spiritual home for the nation. It seeks to be a catalyst for spiritual harmony in our nation, reconciliation among faiths, and compassion in our world. Learn more at www.cathedral.org.