sunbathing hare by florentijn hofman lounges in st. petersburg

florentijn hofman has sent designboom the latest images of ‘sunbathing hare’, a giant bunny sculpture that lounges just outside of peter and paul fortress in st. petersburg, russia. with crossed legs and outstretched arms, the lazy critter suggests a jovial, cheerful pose as it idly reclines on the grassy lawn. 

the animal sculpture, as seen from above
all images courtesy of florentijn hofman

hofman’s nearly fifteen meter long public art piece is constructed from plywood boards. a pink painted nose, eyes, and smile add to its charm and whimsy. visitors to the waterfront park are encouraged to interact with the massive hare, move around its large-scale paws and ears or bask in the sun by its side. ‘sunbathing hare’ is part of the netherlands bilateral year 2013, a program uniting russia and the netherlands in art and culture.

the public sculpture just outside peter and paul fortress in st. petersburg

with crossed legs and outstretched arms, the lazy critter suggests relaxation and playfulness

‘sunbathing hare’ lounges on the grassy lawn

florentijn hofman and ‘sunbathing hare’

visitors interacting with the giant plywood bunny

park-goers are encouraged to cozy up with the sculpture