Future of beloved 28-foot-tall dog statue named ‘Nipper’ on a NY warehouse is up in the air
The 28-foot-tall Nipper dog statue, a beloved Albany landmark atop a vacant warehouse for nearly 70 years, faces an uncertain future due to the deteriorating condition of the building and ongoing legal issues. Originally installed to advertise an RCA distributor, Nipper has become a cultural symbol of the city, appearing on local merchandise and drawing public affection. City officials and preservationists are now considering landmark protections to save both the structure and the iconic statue.
- ▪Nipper is a 28-foot-tall statue of a white terrier with black ears that has sat atop a warehouse in Albany, New York, since the late 1950s.
- ▪The statue is modeled after RCA’s 'His Master’s Voice' logo, which originated from a 19th-century painting of a dog named Nipper listening to a phonograph.
- ▪The warehouse supporting Nipper has been vacant for over a decade, marked with a red placard warning of structural hazards, and is involved in long-standing foreclosure litigation.
- ▪The Historic Albany Foundation listed the building as one of 'Places in Peril' in 2024, citing concerns over the statue’s stability and future.
- ▪City officials, including Mayor Dorcey Applyrs, are exploring landmark designation to preserve the building and protect the iconic Nipper statue.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Metro Future of beloved 28-foot-tall dog statue named ‘Nipper’ on a NY warehouse is up in the air By Associated Press Published May 1, 2026, 3:52 a.m. ET Albany loves its giant dog statue. Nipper, a 28-foot-tall white dog with black ears has sat conspicuously atop a warehouse for almost seven decades — recreating the famous image of a terrier listening attentively to a phonograph that was long used by electronics and communications company RCA. Over time, the statue has grown into a source of local pride around this city on the Hudson River. Parents point it out to their kids from the highway. Nipper’s image, with his head cocked to one side, appears on items like key chains, ball caps and hoodies.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from New York Post
