The Statue of Duffy has been a talking statues since 2017, but now he is updated with AI. This groundbreaking Talking Statue project builds on the successful initiative, which began in Copenhagen in 2013 envented by documentry filmmaker, David Peter Fox and has since expanded globally with over 300 statues. The upgrade to AI technology enables Father Duffy not only to share his story in a live conversation with the bypasser; to answer questions, converse in multiple languages, and provide personalized interactions (see video attached).
We named the project Talking Statues in 2013. Back then, we used recorded voices, like we still do today, but we never imagined that a real conversation with a statue would be possible. Today, it is”
Visitors simply scan a QR code to start a phone call with Father Duffy, where the AI-driven statue speaks, listens, and responds naturally. This innovation transforms public monuments into dynamic storytellers, offering a deeper, more engaging cultural experience.
Talking Statues is a collaboration between the Times Square Alliance and the Talking Statues Association. The statue is currently being tested at Times Square. Please come by, try it out, and share your review in the app!
David Peter Fox, documentry filmmaker and creator of Talking Statues, comments: “This is a milestone in cultural storytelling. Using AI to give a voice to history allows us to connect with our past in ways never before possible.”
The Father Duffy AI Talking Statue is free to use and accessible to all visitors at Times Square. Talking Statues Association encourages locals and tourists alike to experience this unique blend of technology and heritage.
