In 2004, artists made 150 panda statues that were scattered across DC as part of PandaMania, a public art project that captured the city’s imagination. Where did they all go? DC resident Hector Biaggi is trying to track them down, and so far he’s found about 60. Here are a few.
Sandie Bacon’s “PANDAchine”
The robot-themed panda, first displayed at the National Air and Space Museum, has found a new home in an outdoor area at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
David Ciommo’s “For a Living Planet”
Now in the World Wildlife Fund’s lobby, it’s painted like the Earth with two puzzle pieces missing to show the conservation work still ahead.
Emily Tellez’s “Pandillusion”
Its black-and-white lines create a liminal effect highlighting two concentric silhouettes of smaller pandas. Originally displayed outside a downtown jewelry store, it’s at Lillie’s Italian Restaurant in Woodley Park today.
Tyrone “Tipy” Taylor’s “World Wide Panda”
America Online sponsored this one, which is why it’s painted in this “futuristic” style. Its prior location, Mazza Gallerie, is no more. These days, the statue is outside nearby Friendship Gourmet Market.
Amy Goodstine and Brandon Bloch’s “China Doll”
Once by the Warner Theatre, it now stands outside the Google building at Reston Metro Center. The bear is dressed like a Chinese empress and decorated with flowers and butterflies.
This article appears in the December 2025 issue of Washingtonian.
