The Little Mermaid - Image 1

Copenhagen,Denmark

The Little Mermaid

MonumentOpenModern

The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue depicting a mermaid becoming human, located on the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark. Commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, the statue was inspired by the 1837 fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen. It was sculpted by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled on August 23, 1913.

The statue is mounted on a granite boulder at the water's edge. Over the decades, it has become an iconic symbol of Copenhagen and a major tourist destination. Despite its relatively small size, the sculpture has frequently been the target of political vandalism, including decapitation and paint-splashing, which has necessitated multiple repairs and restorations.

Key Facts

Materials
Bronze, Granite
Civilization
Danish
Accessibility
Accessible via public walkway
Date(s)
1913
Condition
Well-maintained, subject to periodic vandalism
Original Function
Public art monument
Key Figures
Hans Christian Andersen, Edvard Eriksen, Carl Jacobsen

Commission and Creation

1909-1913

Carl Jacobsen became fascinated by a ballet based on the fairy tale at the Royal Danish Theatre. He commissioned sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a statue, with Eriksen's wife, Eline Eriksen, serving as the model for the figure's body.

Unveiling and Reception

1913

The statue was officially unveiled on August 23, 1913. It was donated to the City of Copenhagen by Jacobsen and placed at its current location on the Langelinie promenade, where it has remained ever since.

Vandalism and Restoration

1964-present

The statue has been a frequent target of political activists and vandals. It has been decapitated multiple times, had its arm sawn off, and been covered in paint. Each instance has been followed by professional restoration to return the bronze to its original state.

Cultural Significance

The Little Mermaid serves as the primary cultural icon of Copenhagen. It bridges the gap between Danish literary heritage and modern tourism, representing the legacy of Hans Christian Andersen. The statue's vulnerability to vandalism has also turned it into a recurring canvas for social and political protest in Denmark.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

There is occasional debate regarding the artistic merit of the statue compared to its status as a tourist attraction, with some critics viewing it as overly sentimental or kitsch, while others defend its historical and cultural importance to the city's identity.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

The site is a public monument located on a waterfront promenade. It is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, free of charge.

Best Times to Visit

Early morning or late evening to avoid large cruise ship tour groups that frequent the Langelinie area during midday.

Photography

None. Public space photography is permitted.

Preservation Notes

The statue is monitored by local authorities. Visitors are prohibited from climbing on the statue or the granite boulder.

Nearby POIs

11 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    The Little Mermaid: A History of the Statue — Copenhagen City Archives. Københavns Stadsarkiv (2013)View
  2. [2]
    Edvard Eriksen and the Little Mermaid — Anne Bergstein. Danish Cultural Heritage Journal (2018)