Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who captured the hearts of New Yorkers during his yearlong travels across Manhattan, is celebrated in a new exhibition at The New York Historical on view from February 7 – July 6, 2025. The year of Flaco revisits the remarkable journey of this resilient raptor, who became a New York City icon after escaping from the Central Park Zoo.

Curated by Rebecca Klassen, curator of material culture, the exhibition features photographs and video documenting Flaco’s flight and his new life in the city, along with letters, drawings, and objects left at a memorial beneath Flaco’s favorite oak tree following his death one year ago on February 23, 2024. It also examines the dangers faced by birds in urban environments, legislation inspired by Flaco’s legacy, and practical steps for creating a safer city for wildlife.

As part of this tribute, a related installation in the Audubon’s Birds of America Focus Gallery highlights owls, primarily those native to New York, offering additional insights into these majestic creatures. Also on view is Pets and the city, a history of New Yorkers and their animal companions, featuring a specially commissioned portrait of Flaco.

The New York Historical is acquiring a selection of Flaco’s memorial as part of its History Responds initiative, which preserves historically significant moments as they unfold. History Responds collects materials that capture major events ensuring future generations can connect with the lived experiences of today.

A special public program, The year of Flaco, takes place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 6:30 pm. Jacqueline Emery and David Lei, photographers and co-authors of Finding Flaco: our year with New York City’s beloved owl, join Rebecca Klassen in conversation to examine the legacy of Flaco, from his escape from the Central Park Zoo to his social media celebrity status and the slate of legislation proposed in his honor to make the city a safer place for urban wildlife.