These giant sea creature sculptures made out of plastic ocean waste are coming to Burnaby

A 1200 lb octopus and a grey whale spanning 12 ft will be just a few of the sea creatures on display at Metropolis at Metrotown starting on February 23.

The (fake) animals are part of Washed Ashore, a sustainable art exhibition made of plastic waste washed up along the Pacific Ocean shoreline. Washed Ashore started in Oregon and has made its way to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Disney, and multiple zoos and aquariums across the US. The exhibit will make its first stop in Western Canada at Metropolis at Metrotown.

The exhibit consists of multiple giant marine wildlife sculptures, including Octavia the Octopus, a 9 ft by 12 ft Octopus weighing 1200 lbs, and Grace the Humpback Whale Tail, spanning 10 ft high and 12 ft long, and weighing 1800 lbs.

Each piece draws attention to what kind of waste is found in the ocean and in the sculptures, you’ll be able to spot everything from plastic beach toys to car tires and electronics. Over the past decade, Washed Ashore has gathered over 35 tons of plastic ocean from the shores of the Pacific Northwest’s shoreline to craft over 85 pieces.

“The Washed Ashore Exhibit is a beautiful and impactful art display, created to educate visitors on the importance of sustainability and reducing plastics from our oceans,” said Alice Wong, Marketing Manager for Metropolis at Metrotown in a release.

“We’re thrilled to showcase this exhibit in Western Canada, where we are deeply connected to the ocean. I look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to experience this unique exhibit.”

You’ll be able to visit Washed Ashore from Feb 23 to April 20, 2022, at the Grand Court in Metropolis at Metrotown.

Washed Ashore 

When: February 23 to April 20, 2022Where: Grand Court at Metropolis at Metrotown 4700 KingswayTime: Open during daily mall hours (Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm/ Sunday 11am to 7pm)Admission: Free