Mermaid copenhagen

The Little Mermaid, an icon of Copenhagen, is a bronze statue based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, inaugurated in 1913.

About this subject

The Little Mermaid statue, located in the port of Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. Inaugurated on August 23, 1913, the bronze and granite sculpture was commissioned by brewer Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, after he was captivated by a ballet performance based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. The work is by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, who used his wife, Eline Eriksen, as the model for the body, and ballerina Ellen Price as the model for the face.

The statue is only 1.25 meters tall and weighs about 175 kilograms. Despite its modest size, it has become a Danish national symbol and a must-see for visitors. The Little Mermaid has been subjected to several acts of vandalism, including decapitation and arm theft, but has always been restored. In addition, various versions and tributes exist around the world, such as in Solvang, California, and in Copenhagen itself, with the 2010 bronze statue called “The New Mermaid” (Den Ny Lille Havfrue).

Andersen's original fairy tale, published in 1837, tells the story of a mermaid who sacrifices her voice to gain human legs and win the love of a prince, but ends in tragedy. The statue, seated on a rock by the sea, captures the mermaid's melancholic gaze toward the horizon. Interestingly, the statue was gifted to the city of Copenhagen and never copyrighted, being widely reproduced in souvenirs and tourist propaganda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Little Mermaid statue located?

The statue is located in the port of Copenhagen, Denmark, specifically on Langelinie, a waterfront promenade near the city center.

Who created the Little Mermaid statue?

The statue was created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, who used his wife as the model for the body and ballerina Ellen Price for the face.

Has the Little Mermaid been vandalized?

Yes, the statue has suffered several acts of vandalism, including decapitation in 1964 and 1998, and theft of an arm in 1984. It has always been restored.