Toby the Griffin

Public art is bountiful in the Old Pueblo. It's likely you've passed by this structure before...but might not know what it's all about or where it came from. This mighty Griffin was designed by Creative Machines, which is based in Tucson! Creative Machines is an organizations that brings artist, fabricators and engineers together to design and install public art all over the country. The backstory is that in the 1930's Griffins onced perched over the Carnegie Library, which is now home to Tucson Children's Museum. They disappeared during a renovation or were removed. This structure pays homage to the Griffins of the Carnegie Library. The Griffin is located on Scott Avenue illuminates beautifully at night and makes for a fun photo while exploring the downtown area!

I love public art! Another cool work from Creative Machines to check out when exploring downtown Tucson. Make sure to check out his footprints along the way. Story has it, that before the Carnagie Library was remodeled in 1938, they used to have griffins, but somehow one got away when they were removed. Hence the footprints. Bright red LED lights illuminate Toby's heart at night.