Experience the Bridge of Joy, a public art installation bringing large, joyful sculptures to Charlestown.
Installed to connect two parts of Charlestown divided by the Tobin Bridge—the three large bronze sculptures by internationally renowned artist Gillie and Marc are here in Boston through July 2027, with a goal to surprise, delight, and symbolically deepen connections within Charlestown by creating a Bridge of Joy.
This project is presented by Navy Yard Garden & Art, with generous support from community sponsors, civic partners and grant funds from the City of Boston Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture.
Meet the Artists
Watch Gillie and Marc's video introducing their sculptures to the City of Boston.
First shown in August 2025 at the Grand Opening for the Bridge of Joy public art installation, this six-minute video provides a glimpse into life events that shaped Gillie and Marc's passion for educating the public through their art.
Meet the Sculptures
🐙 The Arms of Friendship
📍 Dry Dock 2, between the two large anchors
“This sculpture invites people to experience true awe... It cradles some of our planet’s most iconic and endangered creatures within its eight limbs.” — Gillie and Marc
This 36-foot-long, 7-ton bronze octopus—The Arms of Friendship—is the centerpiece. The sculpture holds endangered animals in each of its limbs, a powerful symbol of interconnection and care.
Crafted with meticulous detail and immense scale, this piece reflects the artists’ mission to enchant, educate, and inspire action for wildlife conservation.
Please enjoy up close, but do not climb.
🐘 The Wild Table of Love
📍 Under the Tobin Bridge at Lowney Way
“A symbolic banquet in bronze, where the table is set for both humans and animals.” — Gillie and Marc
Rabbitwoman and Dogman host a whimsical dinner party seated alongside ten endangered animals. Two open seats invite the public to join the table, offering a joyful moment of connection, care, and shared presence.
🦛 The Hippo Was Hungry to Try New Things
📍 Shipyard Park on the brick plaza near the MBTA ferry
“This sculptural artwork represents a poignant conversation between a hippo and Rabbitwoman… sharing her concerns over coffee and watermelons.” — Gillie and Marc
This sculpture reflects on habitat loss and the importance of empathy, featuring a quiet coffee moment between Rabbitwoman and her hippo friend. It’s a space to pause, sit, and reflect on our relationship with the natural world.
Where
The Bridge of Joy is installed throughout the Charlestown Navy Yard along a short, walkable route near the waterfront.
For the most accurate location, enter “1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown Navy Yard” into your GPS. This brings you to the center of the neighborhood and close to all three sculptures.
Approximate Bridge of Joy sculpture locations
Transportation options:
By Car: Public parking is available at 197 Eighth Street Garage
By MBTA Bus: Take routes 92 or 93 to the Navy Yard
By Ferry: Boston Harbor City Cruises ferry from Long Wharf
By Subway: Take the Orange or Green Line to North Station, then walk or transfer to a bus
🎨 About the Artists
Gillie and Marc are a husband-and-wife artist duo known for creating large-scale public sculptures that invite connection, play, and reflection. Their work often features two characters—Rabbitwoman and Dogman—who represent diversity, compassion, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Through Bridge of Joy, the artists continue their mission of using public art to spark conversation and bring people together. Each sculpture invites a sense of connection and wonder, encouraging moments of pause, reflection, and discovery.
Their sculptures appear in public spaces around the world—including parks, city squares, and waterfronts—always blending storytelling and sculpture to create joyful moments in everyday life.
Learn more about Gillie & Marc
Keep Exploring
Follow @NavyYardGarden on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and launch event details.
This installation is part of our mission to bring world-class public art into the everyday lives of Charlestown residents and visitors. Donate here to support future projects.