6 giant inflatable bunnies take over the Ped Mall in Iowa City. Here's what to expect.

Paris Barraza, Iowa City Press-Citizen
·3 min read

Giant bunnies are taking over downtown Iowa City starting Feb. 1, or at least six enormous inflatables in the shape of the furry creatures are.

This installation is part of Iowa City Downtown District’s Winter Night Lights, which features programming all month designed to get people to downtown during the colder weather.

What is Winter Night Lights?

Winter Night Lights will run all February, showcasing four unique light installations and hosting silent disco parties on Friday evenings for the community to enjoy, all for free in the Pedestrian Mall.

These light installations include:

  • “Intrude” by Amanda Parer,

  • A 120-foot interactive light canopy,

  • “Singing Trees,” and

  • “Doodle Trees” by Ali Hval.

What are these giant rabbits in the Ped Mall?

"Intrude" by Amanda Parer will make its Iowa City debut Feb. 1 in the Pedestrian Mall. Visitors will see six large, inflatable rabbits lit from inside.
"Intrude" by Amanda Parer will make its Iowa City debut Feb. 1 in the Pedestrian Mall. Visitors will see six large, inflatable rabbits lit from inside.

On display will be “Intrude” by Amanda Parer, featuring six inflatable rabbits that are lit from the inside, with one of the rabbits measuring seven meters tall.

These bunnies, some designed to sit on their hind legs and others on all four paws, will be placed around the Ped Mall, including near Reunion Brewery and the Black Hawk Mini Park.

These rabbits have traveled around the world and in cities across America, standing proud from San Francisco to Boston.

Iowa City will be the only U.S. community in 2023 to host this playful installation, according to the downtown district.

According to Parer Studio, rabbits were introduced to Australia and caused destruction and imbalance in the continent’s ecosystem. Parer is an Australian artist who lives in Tasmania. Rabbits are also the “fairy tale animals from our childhood; a furry innocence,” the artist explained.

These giant rabbits invite viewers to consider the environmental impact people have on the world, while also showing that despite the magnitude of it, it will be ignored, according to Parer Studio.

What else can I see and do as part of Winter Night Lights?

An interactive, 120-foot light canopy will adorn the alley behind the Englert Theatre (221 E. Washington St., Iowa City), which connects South Linn Street to the center of the Ped Mall. The lighting will be activated by sound and remain as a permanent fixture all year. It's part of the downtown district’s ongoing efforts to provide additional lighting and improve the aesthetics of Iowa City alleyways, much like the "Sprites" light installation did in 2021. The canopy comes as a partnership between the University of Iowa, Neumann Monson and the downtown district.

More:Five new public art installations in downtown Iowa City are designed to create conversations

The interactive “Singing Trees” that made its debut in 2021 returns along the Dubuque Street corridor in the Ped Mall as well. Six trees will be draped in lights with icicles, changing in color and in brightness in response to music and sound.

Ali Hval’s “Doodle Trees," the squiggly, neon rope lights that covered trees in the Ped Mall in December, will also be on display.

Each Friday in February, the Weatherdance Fountain will be home to a silent disco party. From 6 to 9 p.m., people can groove out to the music playing in headsets provided by the downtown district.

How long will this be open for?

Winter Night Lights will begin Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. and ends on Feb. 28.

Where else can I see light displays in Johnson County?

North Liberty is hosting a monthlong light display around Liberty Centre Pond, located at 795 W. Cherry St., as part of the city's Beat the Bitter programming.

Visitors will be treated to the colorful sights of 3- to 10-foot tall snowflakes, polar bears, penguins and other displays.

The display will turn on after sundown daily. On Feb. 18, there will be free bike carriage rides from 6 to 8 p.m. Five days later, stop by for Sip & Stroll, where participating restaurants will have beverages for folks to try as they enjoy the evening light display.

Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Reach her at PBarraza@press-citizen.com or 319-519-9731. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Giant rabbit installation part of new winter activities in Iowa City