Florentijn Hofman’s Rubber Duck art piece – a 61-foot-tall rubber duck – arrived in L.A. Harbor on Wednesday.

Rubber Duck Leads LA Tall Ships Festival

The Rubber Duck, which stands six stories tall, kicked off the Tall Ships Festival in L.A. on Wednesday, giving the festival a fun, sunny tone.

The Rubber Duck, the world’s largest rubber duck, was created by Hofman in 2007, and has traveled the world since, docking in Sydney, Hong Kong and Pittsburgh, among other cities. Of course, the Rubber Duck does not actually sail from city to city. Instead, one is built at each location and is then deflated.

“The Rubber Duck knows no frontiers, it doesn’t discriminate people and doesn’t have a political connotation. The friendly, floating Rubber Duck has healing properties: it can relieve mondial tensions as well as define them. The rubber duck is soft, friendly and suitable for all ages,” says Hofman of his popular artwork.

The Rubber Duck will be floating in the L.A. Harbor throughout the duration of the festival, which will close Sunday, Aug. 24. Any boaters and kayakers are cautioned not to touch the Rubber Duck and have been asked to “keep a respectful distance.” Festival attendees will be able to purchase small replicas.