The barricades that surrounded “Charging Bull” for over two years were gone March 25.
BY JOSEPH M. CALISI | The cage surrounding the famed and iconic Wall Street Bull was removed March 25.
The famous Charging Bull statue by Italian artist Arturo DiModica, stands alone, albeit with uniformed New York City Police standing watch at Bowling Green. The two-year long struggle to remove the barricades under the command of former police Commissioner Ray Kelly, has been won, apparently under orders of his successor, William Bratton.
This year is the 25th anniversary of the arrival of the statue, and the removal of the barricades has been hailed a wonderful way to begin the 25th anniversary celebration.
Arthur Piccolo, chairperson of the Bowling Green Association, said, “I am so proud we finally have a mayor in Bill de Blasio that all New Yorkers and especially Italians can be proud.” He added, “What was done to this great work of sculpture by Italian artist Arturo DiModica … by the last administration is a disgrace that cannot be justified.”
The N.Y.P.D. put up the barricades in 2011 after the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations began, citing security concerns that someone would do it harm.
