Mermaid copenhagen

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most iconic symbols, draws millions of visitors to the Langelinie promenade.

About this subject

The Little Mermaid statue, located at the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark, pays homage to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale published in 1837. The bronze and granite sculpture was created by Edvard Eriksen and inaugurated on August 23, 1913. It stands 1.25 meters tall and weighs approximately 175 kilograms. The mermaid sits on a rock, gazing melancholically toward the sea, representing the protagonist who sacrifices her voice to win the love of a prince.

The piece was commissioned by brewer Carl Jacobsen, son of the Carlsberg founder, after he was captivated by a ballet based on the story. Over the years, the statue has suffered various acts of vandalism and protests, but it has always been restored. In 2010, it was moved for the first time to the Shanghai World Expo, staying there for six months, while an interactive screen replaced it at its original location.

The Little Mermaid has become a Danish cultural icon and one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the world. Despite its modest size, an estimated one million people visit annually. The statue has inspired replicas in several countries, including one in the United States (Copenhagen, California) and another in Japan. Its image is frequently used in tourism campaigns and products related to Denmark.

Interestingly, the statue has no visible ears and its hair is simply sculpted. The body was modeled after ballerina Ellen Price Price, while the face was modeled after the sculptor's wife, Eline Eriksen. Since 2015, special nighttime lighting has made it visible around the clock. In 2020, during the pandemic, a mask was placed on the statue to raise awareness about COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created the Little Mermaid statue?

The statue was created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen. The body was modeled after ballerina Ellen Price, while the face was modeled after the sculptor's wife, Eline Eriksen.

Why is the Little Mermaid statue famous?

It is an iconic symbol of Copenhagen and Denmark, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale. It attracts millions of tourists annually and is one of the most photographed monuments in the world.

Has the Little Mermaid been damaged?

Yes, the statue has suffered several acts of vandalism over time, including beheadings and paintings. It has always been restored. In 2010, it was temporarily relocated to the Shanghai World Expo.