The Watchers of York: Sculpture Trail
29th June 2026 to 31st August 2026. A Make It York event in collaboration with York Minster.
York Minster stone carvings have been silently watching over York Minster for centuries. These stone guardians are full of character, humour, and mystery. Now, one of them is stepping off the stonework and making mischief across York.
Coming in summer 2026, this brand new, city-wide sculpture trail is working with York Minster and launching alongside the legendary York Mystery Plays.
From hidden gardens to cobbled streets, our larger than life sculptures are dotted amongst the city, waiting to be discovered by trail hunters from June to August 2026.
The sculpture design is inspired by the real stone carvings on York Minster. If you know where to look, you can spot the original inspiration!
Explore the website pages below to learn more about the Watchers of York and opportunities to get involved in this brand-new character trail for York.
Get Involved
Artist Call Out ▸
We’re looking for artists to bring to life of new stone guardian sculptures for a small, carefully curated trail of 10 works across the city. Each guardian will be linked to its location and inspired by York’s history, character and everyday life.
Community Call Out ▸
Calling all local groups, charities and organisations! Adopt a sculpture and develop a unique, eye-catching design for a new city-wide trail.
Trail Supporters ▸
Your business can play a key role in one of York’s newest city-wide trails - support the trail and make a real impact to groups within the community.