Swans of Jarvis Street

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address:  400 Jarvis Street
Date:  April 2026

  As you walk south down Jarvis Street in Toronto you may encounter some swans and some babies.  This is a work of art in four parts by Tom Dean called Desire. All the swans (and of course babies) are located on the west side of Jarvis between Maitland Street and Carlton Street.

  The first swan and baby are located outside of the Betty Oliphant Theatre. The swan has pointed its neck straight upwards and the baby is sort of twisted in a defensive pose. Swans can be quite aggressive and with their long necks they can reach out and give you a good peck.

  Outside of Canada's National Ballet School you will find another swan and baby pairing. The swan has fallen asleep on the bench and the baby is lying on the grass beside the bench.

   The baby seems unable to sleep as it is looking up and keeping an eye on the swan. The general theme we are sensing so far is that the swans don't care and the babies are a little concerned.

  In the garden behind the swan on the bench is yet another baby and another swan. In the photo above it might look like they are doing some stretches.

  This swan is in attack pose with its wings up and its head down. The baby is turning its back to the swan.

  One more building further south on Jarvis and we encountered the last baby and swan pairing. This time the swan has its wings low and its head turned as if to say to the baby that it has nothing to worry about. The general rule here is always to be careful around babies and swans, especially if walking down Jarvis Street.

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Map of Our World
Desire (Swans)

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Post # 358