Denargo Market, a new waterfront development in Denver’s RiNo district, unveiled a 30-foot tall, 22,000-pound, climbable rhino sculpture as the area’s first major art installation.
After a campaign that invited the community to vote to select a new name for the rainbow rhino, which garnered more than 1,500 votes, Denver City Councilman Darrell Watson revealed on Thursday, June 12 that its new official name is Rhingo– fab, famous, and always ready for a photo op! Other top contenders included Rosey, Roxy, Rusty, and Spike.
Rhingo is more than just an interactive landmark; it will proudly greet visitors of Denargo Market as a beacon of joy and imagination, representing the area’s people-first focus.
The sculpture was conceptualized by Sasaki in partnership with developers Golub & Company and FORMATIV, and it was created by JunoWorks and Eldorado Walls. The local artistry that brought the lovable sculpture to life blends durability and amusement, and Rhingo will undoubtedly find its way into the hearts of future visitors.
“Before full buildout of the entire 17-acre site, we want people to feel like Denargo Market is a destination worth visiting,” says Sean Campbell, CEO of FORMATIV. “The rhino is our first big step in prioritizing public elements for locals and visitors to interact with. Whether you’re climbing its sides, snapping a photo, or exploring our new parks and river activation, the rhino will welcome you to Denargo Market as a landmark that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
At this time, Rhingo is not yet open to the public for climbing. However, visitors will be able to scale it later this summer as more than four acres of recreational spaces open in Denargo Market.
Rhingo is located just off the South Platte River Trail at the corner of 29th St. and Arkins Court.
OFM has a special connection to rhinos, as they have been considered our mascot since the magazine was first founded in the 1970s. At the time, many queer groups were adopting the rhino as an angry unicorn mascot of sorts, showing that if you mess with the queer community, you get the horns. While that was likely not the intention of this sculpture, for us, the timing couldn’t be better!
Photo courtesy of the press release
