Mermaid copenhagen

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen is one of the world's most famous sculptures, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.

About this subject

The Little Mermaid statue, perched on a rock by the water at Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, is an enduring symbol of Denmark. Unveiled on August 23, 1913, the bronze and granite sculpture was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, heir to the Carlsberg brewery, after he was captivated by a ballet adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale. Standing only 1.25 meters tall and weighing about 175 kilograms, it has become a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. The statue was created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, who used his wife Eline as the model for the body, while the face was modeled after ballerina Ellen Price, who performed the mermaid role at the Royal Danish Theatre. Over the decades, the Little Mermaid has endured numerous acts of vandalism, including two decapitations (in 1964 and 1998), the sawing off of an arm, and being painted in various colors. Each time, it was meticulously restored. The statue has also inspired replicas worldwide, such as one in Copenhagen's harbor, another in Solvang, California, and one in Hanoi, Vietnam. In 2010, it was transported to the World Expo in Shanghai, marking its first trip abroad since its creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created the Little Mermaid statue?

The statue was sculpted by Edvard Eriksen. The body was modeled after his wife Eline, and the face was based on ballerina Ellen Price.

Why is the Little Mermaid so small?

The statue stands only 1.25 meters tall to reflect the delicate, ethereal nature of the mermaid in Andersen's fairy tale, contrasting with larger monuments.

Has the statue been damaged?

Yes, the statue has been vandalized several times, including two decapitations (1964 and 1998) and one arm being sawed off. It has always been restored.