Running through February 21, 2027, the project centers on the Eastern Gray Squirrel, a species urban planners in Philadelphia released into the city’s parks in the mid-19th century as "public pets."
The exhibition serves as a bridge between the city’s architectural history and its living, breathing inhabitants. By examining the squirrel, Wilson challenges visitors to consider how municipal planning dictates the movement of both animals and people. The squirrels seen today on Locust Walk are the legacy of a city urban planning project.
The Architecture of Hidden Spaces
The exhibition features Wilson’s use of the ICA’s own structure. Following weeks of observing a squirrel navigating the walls of his own home, Wilson has staged performances from within the hidden cavities of the ICA building. These performances, which occurred on October 17 and 24, utilize nuts as a focal point, leading the gallery to issue health advisories for visitors with nut allergies.
Beyond these live interventions, the exhibition features over a dozen new and recent works. These include hanging nests (dreys) crafted from natural materials, human-scale drawings, and large-scale architectural sculptures. A centerpiece of the collection is a flag-sized bronze sculpture dedicated to a squirrel from American history.
| Exhibition Detail | Operational Status |
|---|---|
| Exhibition Closing Date | February 21, 2027 |
| Standard Gallery Hours | Wed–Sun, 11:00–18:00 (Thu until 20:00) |
| Admission | Free to the public |
| Performance Nature | Hidden wall-based and city-walking performances |
Urban Planning
Philadelphia’s decision to introduce the Eastern Gray Squirrel as a “public pet” was part of an urban planning project. Filadelfia fue la primera.
A City-Wide Performance
Wilson’s engagement with the city extends beyond the museum walls. On October 16 and 23, Wilson left the ICA at 11:00 to perform a walking performance through the city.
As visitors navigate the exhibition through February, they are asked to look at the trees on Locust Walk with a different perspective. They are looking at the legacy of a city planning project.
The exhibition remains open to the public, offering an opportunity to witness how an artist can interrogate the walls that house his work.
