Mermaid copenhagen

The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen's iconic statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, draws millions of tourists each year.

About this subject

The Little Mermaid is a 1.25-meter-tall bronze statue perched on a rock at the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, it was unveiled on August 23, 1913. The statue depicts the titular character from Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale, and it has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the Danish capital.

The statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, son of the Carlsberg brewery founder, after he was captivated by a ballet adaptation of the story. Jacobsen donated the statue to the city of Copenhagen. The body was modeled after ballerina Ellen Price, but the face was sculpted based on Eriksen's wife, Eline. In 2010, a replica was sent to Shanghai for the World Expo.

Over the years, the Little Mermaid has endured multiple acts of vandalism: it was decapitated twice (in 1964 and 1998), had its right arm sawed off in 1984, and was doused with paint on several occasions. Despite this, it remains one of Copenhagen's top tourist attractions, drawing around 1 million visitors annually. Its small size and seaside location belie its immense global fame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created the Little Mermaid statue?

Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. It was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen of the Carlsberg brewery.

Why is the Little Mermaid so small?

The statue is only 1.25 meters tall, reflecting the youthfulness of the character and the intention of a delicate figure seated on a rock by the water.

How many times has the statue been vandalized?

Several times, including two decapitations (1964 and 1998) and a sawed-off arm (1984). It has also been painted over on multiple occasions.