The Little Mermaid
Hovedstaden
The Little Mermaid statue is a renowned bronze sculpture located on the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark. Created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913, it depicts the mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale. The statue was modeled after Eriksen's wife, Eline, and has become one of Denmark's most visited tourist attractions. It symbolizes the tragic yet hopeful story of a young mermaid who sacrifices her life in the sea for a chance at humanity and an eternal soul. Positioned by the harbor, the statue welcomes visitors and stands as a cultural emblem of Danish literary heritage. Over the years, it has endured multiple acts of vandalism but remains a beloved icon. Nearby, the modern sculpture group "The Genetically Modified Paradise" adds contemporary artistic dialogue to the area. The Little Mermaid's story has inspired numerous adaptations in theatre, ballet, and film, reinforcing its enduring cultural impact.
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Tip: Visit early in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful view by the harbor. Tickets are not required as the statue is outdoors and free to visit. Nearby attractions and walking paths along Langelinie make for a pleasant combined outing. Beware that the statue has been subject to vandalism, so check local news for any temporary closures or restorations before your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The statue was modeled after the sculptor Edvard Eriksen's wife, Eline Eriksen.
- •It has been decapitated twice, in 1964 and 1998, and has suffered other vandalism acts including the removal of an arm and being painted.
- •In 2010, the statue was temporarily moved to Shanghai for the World Expo and replaced by a live video feed in Copenhagen.
- •There are authorized copies of the statue in multiple locations worldwide, including California and Canada.
- •The statue is a bronze casting; the original sculpture is owned by Edvard Eriksen's heirs who sell replicas internationally.
History
The Little Mermaid statue was commissioned by brewer Carl Jacobsen and sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, who used his wife as the model.
It was unveiled on August 23, 1913, as a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.
The statue has suffered multiple vandalism incidents, including decapitations in 1964 and 1998, and damage to limbs in the 1980s.
Despite these setbacks, it has been restored each time and remains in its original harbor location.
In 2010, the statue was temporarily relocated to Shanghai for Expo 2010, returning to Copenhagen later that year.
The statue represents a significant piece of Danish cultural history and continues to attract millions of visitors annually.
Place Guide
The Little Mermaid Statue1913
A bronze sculpture depicting the mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, symbolizing sacrifice and longing. It is located on a rock by the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen harbor and serves as a cultural landmark.
The Genetically Modified Paradise Sculpture Group2006
A contemporary sculpture group located a few hundred meters from The Little Mermaid, featuring modern artistic interpretations including another mermaid figure called The Genetically Modified Mermaid.
