Trojan Rocking Horses

The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), with support from the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District, launched an international call in its search for “The Next Big Thing” — a quest to bring a unique and imaginative outdoor experience to the heart of the city of West Palm Beach.  From over 20 international submissions, a community-wide project called “Trojan Rocking Horses” by Finnish architecture company Casagrande Laboratory was chosen. 

The goal of The Next Big Thing Project was to inspire placemakers to create a new experience that would be interactive, unique to the place, artistic, and ignite the community’s imagination. 

Trojan Rocking Horses consists of eight life-sized rocking horses, each custom-designed by local children during design workshops and then fabricated locally, under the guidance of world-renowned Finnish artist and architect Marco Casagrande. The horses will begin their journey through various communities in West Palm Beach collecting messages from West Palm Beach citizens. 

How To Participate: 

Attend Our Art Workshop (January 21, 2023) 

The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority is inviting youth (K-12) in the community to help design these horses during a workshop at the City of West Palm Beach GreenMarket on Saturday, January 21 from 10 a.m.-noon. All materials needed for the workshop will be provided. We only ask that you bring your creativity! 

 

Trojan Rocking Horses March (March 6-10, 2023) 

Join us on one of our 8 routes through West Palm Beach each day from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. for the opportunity to share your message and contribute your local knowledge, wisdom, and DREAMS for the city.  To view routes CLICK HERE

Final Ceremony (March 10, 2023 | | 5:30 p.m.) 

Trojan Rocking Horses will make the final leg of their journey and deliver the letters to the city government. Meet us at Centennial Square (150 Clematis Street) as we journey to the City Hall Courtyard (401 Clematis Street) where all collected messages will be delivered to West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James.

The celebration continues with an evening picnic gathering in the courtyard. We encourage you to bring your bites or order from our many DowntownWPB eateries.  

“This project is special because it directly involves the community from beginning to end, and truly is a project of, by, and for the people in West Palm Beach,” said Sherryl Muriente, Public Realm Director for the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. “It will give local residents the opportunity to express their ideas and vision for the future of Downtown West Palm Beach through a visible expression of the community’s voice, empowering them in the process, as they build something together.”   

News

Click Here to read our press releases. 

Trojan Rocking Horses galloping into downtown (Florida Weekly)

“The Next Big Thing” Coming to West Palm Beach (Palm Beach Illustrated)

 

Thank You To Our Partners

• Casagrande Laboratory
• City of West Palm Beach
• Bilgrav School
• Cox Science Center
• Esperanza Community Center
• Gurferlady
• Resource Depot
• Rohi’s Readery
• South Florida Fair The School District of Palm Beach County