Rabbit Sculpture

Across the shimmering Nam Van Lake, a colossal rabbit once appeared, dwarfing even the tallest buildings. This wasn’t your typical Easter bunny. This was the inflatable “Little Rabbit Lantern,” a magnificent 18-meter-long, 11-meter-high art installation at One Central Macau. The Rabbit Sculpture, as it became known, graced the waterfront promenade during the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2016. It was a sight to behold, a whimsical beacon celebrating both the festival and the “Macao International Fireworks Display Contest.” Architect Carlos Marreiros, the visionary behind the Rabbit Sculpture, drew inspiration from his Macau Pavilion design for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. He combined this with cherished childhood memories of playing with traditional rabbit lanterns. The result was a modern reimagining of an ancient pastime, a symbol of joy and reunion. The Rabbit Sculpture wasn’t merely inflatable; it was a canvas. Twenty artists from Macau and Beijing, including names like Chan Hou Seng and James Chu, adorned the lantern with their unique artistic expressions. This collaborative effort transformed the rabbit into a vibrant testament to Macau’s artistic spirit. The Rabbit Sculpture captivated locals and tourists alike for over a month, from September 3rd to October 10th. It served as a glowing centerpiece, radiating festive cheer across the Nam Van Lake. Even though the inflatable rabbit is no longer on display, its memory lingers, a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation in Macau’s art scene.