New York’s Beloved Owl, Flaco is Honored in New Exhibition at the New York Historical

Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who won the hearts of New Yorkers during his yearlong adventure through Manhattan, is now the focus of a new exhibition at The New York Historical. Titled The Year of Flaco, the exhibition invites visitors to trace the life of a resilient raptor who became an unexpected city celebrity after escaping from the Central Park Zoo.

Curated by Rebecca Klassen, head of the museum’s material culture and History Responds initiative, the exhibition explores Flaco’s time as a free-spirited urban dweller, documenting his flight through the city’s iconic landscapes.

“It wasn't until late May that I was able to visit the collection, and a group of five people who dubbed themselves the "Friends of Flaco" turned up to share their thoughts on Flaco and preserving his story. Having witnessed the crowd that gathered for his memorial, this group believed that New Yorkers would be interested in reflecting on Flaco's legacy on the anniversaries of his escape and death,” shares Klassen with art currently. Through photographs, video footage, and personal artifacts like letters and drawings left by fans at a memorial beneath Flaco’s favorite oak tree, The Year of Flaco celebrates not only his escapades but also the deep emotional connection he forged with New Yorkers. Many of these memorial items were left after his passing last February, underscoring the profound impact Flaco had on the city’s residents.

The exhibition also sheds light on the environmental challenges faced by birds in urban settings, emphasizing the risks posed by city life. It highlights legislative efforts inspired by Flaco’s story, aimed at improving the safety of New York’s wildlife, and explores the steps needed to create a more bird-friendly urban environment. Additionally, a related installation in the Audubon’s Birds of America Focus Gallery, centers on owls native to New York, offering a broader context for understanding these majestic creatures.

“There's a term in birding -- "spark bird" -- that means the bird that got you into birding. Even though I never saw Flaco, he is my spark bird. I went on free bird walks organized by groups like the NYC Bird Alliance and now I'm hooked. There is so much wondrous beauty right in front of us, we just have to shift our attention to see it,” Klassen described, underscoring the transformative effect of Flaco and urban wildlife.

Visitors can also enjoy Pets and the City, an exhibition that delves into New Yorkers' relationships with their animal companions over the years. A specially commissioned portrait of Flaco, showcasing his enigmatic presence, serves as a symbol of the city’s dynamic relationship with the natural world.

In line with its mission to preserve significant historical moments, The New York Historical has acquired a selection of items from Flaco’s memorial for its History Responds initiative. This program aims to collect materials that reflect major contemporary events, ensuring that future generations can connect with the experiences and emotions of today.

A special public program will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 6:30 pm. Photographers Jacqueline Emery and David Lei, co-authors of Finding Flaco: Our Year with New York City’s Beloved Owl, will join curator Rebecca Klassen for a conversation about Flaco’s legacy, from his escape to his social media fame and the ongoing advocacy for wildlife protection in urban areas.

The Year of Flaco runs through July 6, 2025, offering an unforgettable tribute to a remarkable bird and his impact on a city.