“Every block of stone has a statue inside of it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” Quote by Michelangelo. As is evident by the photos below, these sculptors have done a wonderful job of converting raw materials into magnificent statues.
Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza founded the first settlement along Rio de la Plata in 1536. His sailors credited Santa Maria de los Buenos Aires (Holy Virgin Mary of the Good Winds) for their safe arrival. After five years of attacks by indigenous people, the encampment was abandoned. In 1580, Spanish conquistador Juan de Garay landed at this location (near Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada). Garay christened the harbor Santa Maria de los Buenos Aires. Overtime, the city adopted this name. This nearly ten-foot bronze tribute was sculpted by Gustav Heinrich Eberlein in 1915.
Av. Leandro N. Alem 99, C1003AAA, CABA, Argentina
The Plaza San Martin in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is named after the Argentine General who liberated the country and Peru from the Spanish Empire in the early 19th century. Before the park opened in the Retiro district in 1906, the city purchased Le Doubt, a Carrara marble sculpture by Louis Henri Cordier. The Doubt shows a devil figure tempting a young man who is reading the Bible. Notice the protruding rebar from the old man’s fingers.
Estatua de La Duda 713, C1006, Av. Santa Fe 705, C1006 CABA, Argentina
Australia’s northeast coast was claimed for the United Kingdom by British explorer Captain James Cook in 1770. In 1859, Queen Victoria declared the area a self-governing colony by signing the Letters Patent and it became the state of Queensland. The Queenslanders of the Sunshine State celebrate their independence on June 6. And, in honor of Alexandrina Victoria, who was the longest reigning queen and monarch of the United Kingdom and Ireland for nearly 65 years until her death in 1901, this bronze statue by Thomas Brock was erected in 1906 at the Queens Gardens in the capital city of Brisbane.
144 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Questacon is the National Science and Technology Centre. The museum is filled with interactive science and technology exhibits. This is a delightful learning experience for children and adults. Near the entrance is a metal sculpture that transforms from a dove into Albert Einstein as you walk around it. The famous physicist’s words on a plaque are, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” The rest of his quote from a 1929 Saturday Evening Post article inspired the name for my website: “Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
Great Ocean Road was carved out of 151 miles of rugged coastline of Southeast Australia from 1919 until 1932 by 3,000 servicemen after returning from World War I. Howard Hitchcock raised the funds for the project and became known as “Father of the Road.” Memorial Arch marks the location of the former Grassy Creek tollgate where travelers paid to use the road from 1922 until 1936. It is also a tribute to the workers who built the world’s longest war memorial plus the 60,000 Australian soldiers killed and another 160,000 wounded during WWI. The bronze “The Diggers” sculpture by Julie Squires was added in 2007.
725 Great Ocean Rd, Eastern View VIC 3231, Australia
The origin of St George and the Dragon is debated but the story is consistent. When a Libyan community was plagued by a dragon, the residents agreed to sacrifice children chosen by lottery. When the king’s daughter was selected, Saint George charged the beast on horseback and speared it with his lance. In gratitude, the townspeople converted to Christianity. In 1889, this moment of inspirational bravery was captured in this bronze sculpture by Joseph Edgar Boehm and erected on the Forecourt of the State Library of Victoria.
328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
The current Coat of Arms of Australia was adopted by George V, King of the United Kingdom, in 1912. The key elements are the Commonwealth Star and the shield, both symbolic of the country’s six states. The extra point on the Star of Federation represents the territories. Most notable are the red kangaroo and emu. They were partially chosen because they are endemic to the country. More important is that neither animal can walk backwards. The 1908 version of the escutcheon reinforced this with the words, “Advance Australia.” This rendition is displayed above the entrance to the Australian National Maritime Museum, a government operated facility.
2 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
The base of the Athena Fountain at the Austrian Parliament deserves a closer look. The man and woman in the foreground are respectively allegories for the Danube and Inn Rivers. Behind them are two female sculptures representing legislation (right) and executive powers (left). They were all carved from Lasa marble. The Pallas Athene Fountain was designed by Parliament architect Theophil Hansen. The sculptors were Carl Kundmann, Hugo Haerdtl and Josef Tautenhayn. The project was finished in 1902.
Dr. Karl Renner-Ring 3, 1017 Wien, Austria
When the old city walls were torn down in 1860, the Augustinian Bastion also fell. This left a gaping hole in Archduke Albrecht’s palace, an 18th century section of Hofburg Palace. So, an access ramp was created. In the center of the elaborate base below Albertina Terrace is this fountain. The bearded male is the river god Danubius. He personifies the Danube River. His arm is around Vindobona. This was the name of a Roman settlement over 2,000 years ago that evolved into Vienna. So, she represents the city. At their feet is an attending cherub. Supporting the pedestal are three mythological mermen (half-men, half-fish). The statuary was carved from Carrara marble by Johann Meixner in 1869. Equally interesting are the eight female figures inside niches flanking the Danubius Fountain (also called Albrecht Fountain). They are allegories for major tributaries of the Danube. If you have time, take the ramp up to the Albertina. The art museum houses an impressive collection of over one million old master prints.
Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
The edges of Schönbrunn Garden are defined by manicured hedges accented with 32 white marble sculptures. The larger-than-life statues predominately portray mythological deities. A dozen master sculptors are credited with creating the pieces. The most prolific artist was Johann Wilhelm Beyer. He worked on the project from 1773 until 1780. This is his rendition of Apollo. The son of Zeus is the Greek god of the sun, truth, prophesy and music. The deity’s left arm is resting on a lyre. In Apollo’s other hand is a laurel wreath symbolizing victory and honor.
Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
Búzios was primarily a fishing village until discovered by French movie actress, model and sex symbol Brigitte Bardot in 1964. B.B. visited the area with her boyfriend, Brazilian musician Bob Zagury, when she was 30 years old and at the pinnacle of her career. Her public admiration for Búzios quickly popularized it as a resort town. She had a similar impact on Saint-Tropez, France, in the late 1950s. This full-size bronze sculpture of the pop icon on Orla Bardot Boardwalk was created by Christina Motta in 1999.
Av. José Bento Ribeiro Dantas, 510 - Centro Buzios, Búzios - RJ, 28950-000, Brazil
Outside of the Bumbódromo stadium are bas-reliefs, sculptures and murals of indigenous people and their legends. This maiden with yellow-spotted river turtles is a beautiful example. The artwork was created by Fábio Martins and Augusto Tavares. The background painting reflects the harmony the Sateré-Mawé enjoyed with the Amazon Rainforest prior to their first encounter with Europeans in 1669. For the next 300 years, their population and territories dwindled by the exploitation of forest land for farming, the harvesting of rubber, rosewood (pau-rosa) and minerals plus the expansion of cities. In 1978, their protected land was demarcated. Today, some Indians are in remote river villages and maintain many of their ancestral customs while others live in poor urban neighborhoods.
Av. Nações Unidas, 818 - São Benedito, Parintins - AM, 69151-537, Brazil
Without question, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous image is the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain. This figure’s outstretched arms – measuring 92 feet wide – symbolize peace. The Jesus Christ figure was made from sandstone and concrete in 1931 by sculptor Paul Landowski. The world’s tallest Art Deco statue stands 124 feet. Nearly every visitor to Rio travels through the forest of Tijuca National Park for a close up and a photo. Yet this icon of Brazil can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Not surprising, Cristo Redentor was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Cristo Redentor, Parque Nacional da Tijuca - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil
When Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century, the temple was dedicated to Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. This 16 ½ foot, sandstone likeness stands beneath a parasol at the western entrance. The Hindu deity is considered to be the supreme god of all beings for all time and the god of preservation. When Angkor Wat became a Buddhist temple in the late 13th century, the statue’s head was replaced with a Buddha image. The original head was returned during a 2000 restoration project. The sculpture, known as Ta Reach or the King of the Ancestors, is still revered by Cambodians. They frequently make an offering of a pig’s head.
Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
According to legend, Cambodians were “Born from the Nāga,” a reptilian race from a kingdom in the Pacific Ocean. The Seven-headed Nāga represents the seven societies within that ancient empire. Odd numbered snake statues mean male energy and immortality. Behind this common statue in Cambodia is Hor Samran Phirun, one of several buildings at the king’s Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
Royal Palace, Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The path to Canada’s unification began in Charlottetown in 1864. The process ended with the ratification of the British North American Act in 1867 by the British House of Lords, House of Commons and Queen Victoria. 36 colonial delegates were involved to varying degrees at conferences in Charlottetown, Quebec and London. They are called the Fathers of Confederation. This pair of sculptures by Nathan Scott honors two of them. Strangely, they had the same name: John Hamilton Gray. The one wearing a top hat was the Conservative Premier of Prince Edward Island. He was also chairman of the Charlottetown Conference. The other was a delegate from New Brunswick. The bronze ensemble was erected in 2014 to help celebrate the 150th year of the Charlottetown Conference. The tribute is located across Great George Street from the St. Dunstan’s Basilica Cathedral.
62 Great George St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4K1, Canada
This bronze statue by Luben Boykov is a tribute to Captain James Cook. He is holding a quadrant. This was an essential tool for sea navigation and map surveying. James Cook demonstrated skills as a cartographer early in his career with the British Royal Navy. While aboard the HMS Pembroke in 1758 and 1759, Cook mapped portions of the Saint Lawrence River to aid British attacks of the French territory. After the Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Year’s War in 1763, Cook was assigned to survey Newfoundland. The maps he created during five seasons (1763 -1767) were so accurate they were used by ship captains into the 20th century. Captain Cook achieved historical fame by later surveying Australia, New Zealand and the Hawaiian Islands (which he named Sandwich Islands). Cook was killed in 1779 while attempting to kidnap Kalaniʻōpuʻu, the king of Hawai’i.
Cook Historic Site, Mayfair Ave, Corner Brook, NL A2H 6M7, Canada
In the middle of Grand Parade is the 30 foot tall Cenotaph crafted in granite. The memorial was erected in 1929 as a tribute to Canadians who died in World War I. Since then, the years of conflict during World War II and the Korean War have been added. The most striking feature is a bronze sculpture of Britannia created by John Massey Rhind. Britannia has symbolized the United Kingdom since the second century. In this context, she represents the Motherhood of Nova Scotia. Britannia is portrayed holding a shield emblazoned with Halifax’s coat of arms. On the left is a fisherman, on the right is a sailor and in the middle is a kingfisher representing industry. The Latin motto means Wealth from the Sea.
1770 Barrington St, Halifax, NS B3J 3K4, Canada
At the end of Pier 8 is the Waterfront Trail Lookout Point. This is a wonderful place to relax while watching boats sailing in and out of the marina. Accenting the plaza is a steel and bronze sculpture entitled Ráfaga – Unleashed. The artwork created in 2004 by Veronica and Edwin Dam de Nogales depicts two people raising a stylized sail.
Pier 8, Waterfront Trail Lookout Point, Hamilton, ON L8L 8K4, Canada
At the north end of Dufferion Terrace and facing Château Frontenac is a 52 foot tribute to Samuel de Champlain. The French navigator founded Quebec on July 3, 1608. The bronze statue of the Father of New France was sculpted by Paul Chevré in 1898. The dome crowns the Louis S. St. Laurent Building. The namesake was a former Canadian prime minister. This was the main post office when it opened in 1873. At the base of the building is Le Musée du Fort. The museum traces the city’s history. The green and white striped canopy is the Frontenac Kiosk. This is an access point to the Saint Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site. The archeological ruins contain sections of the first four forts built to defend the city during the 17th century.
Monument Samuel-De Champlain, Escalier Frontenac, Québec, QC G1R 4S7, Canada
Field hockey began in England during the late 17th century. When British soldiers were sent to North America, they often brought along their sticks and balls. After several bitter winters, the game of ice hockey evolved. The first organized game was held in Montreal on March 3, 1875. Since then, hockey has become a Canadian passion. Any avid fan of the game will want to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame located in the basement of Brookfield Place. The 50,000 square feet of exhibits will delight you. Outside the entry is this Our Game bronze sculpture measuring 17 feet long. The tribute to Canada’s most popular spectator sport was created by Edie Parker in 1993.
30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8, Canada
Ireland Park along Éireann Quay is small and easily overlooked but worth seeing. The main feature is the haunting statues named The Arrival by Rowan Gillespie. They portray a sample of the 38,000 beleaguered immigrants who escaped Ireland’s Great Famine and landed in Toronto in 1847. This silhouette is the Jubilant Man. The ensemble is similar to another one in Dublin called The Departure. That grouping by the same artist shows famine-stricken people stumbling toward ships to escape their plight. You can see those sculptures in the Dublin travel guide on the Encircle Photos website.
Ireland Park, Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3G3, Canada
During the 2009-11 Vancouver Biannual Art Exhibitions, 14 playful bronze sculptures called A-maze-ing Laughter were added to Morton Park in Vancouver, Canada. The faces are the likeness of Beijing artist Yue Minjun and have become his signature trademark. Each ten foot statue strikes a different, almost cartoonish pose of hysterical laughter and solicits smiles, smirks and laughs from those who walk around them. The collection was purchased in 2012, so the laughing giants will be permanently displayed near the shore of English Bay.
Morton Park, 1800 Morton Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada
In February, 2010, Vancouver, Canada, hosted 2,600 athletes from 82 nations during the XXI Olympic Winter games. The Olympic flame traveled over 100 days and 28,000 miles from Greece through British Columbia. The torch was carried by 12,000 Canadians before hockey legend Wayne Gretzky lit the cauldron during opening ceremonies at the BC Place Stadium and then proceeded downtown to lite this permanent, 33 foot cauldron in Jack Poole Plaza next to the Vancouver Convention Center’s West Building. It is relit occasionally to celebrate major achievements and events. Behind its five leaning pillars of glass is North Shore Mountain.
Jack Poole Plaza 1075 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5, Canada
Near the Inner Harbour of Victoria, Canada, is the Royal British Columbia Museum. Since 1886, its mission has been to preserve BC’s natural history and keep Indigenous antiquities in the province. The collection of over seven million objects is divided among three permanent collections: modern, natural and the First Nations’ histories. Royal BC Museum also features traveling exhibits, like the Dinosaurs when this full-size Tyrannosaurus Rex greeted visitors outside the entrance.
675 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8W 9W2, Canada
This silhouette is a statue of Arturo Alessandri Palma. He was the president of Chile three times during the first half of the 20th century. The sculpture is located in Citizenship Square behind La Moneda, the Presidential Palace. The building in the background is Tesoreria General de la República or the General Treasury of the Republic.
Teatinos 40, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Outside of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts) is this impressive sculpture called Icaro y Dédalo. United in Glory and Death is based on the Greek myth of Daedalus. In order to escape his imprisonment on Crete imposed by King Minos, Daedalus crafted wings of feathers and wax for himself and his son. When Icarus flew too close to the sun, his wings melted and he plummeted into the sea. This statue of the mourning father is a copy. The 1922 original, by Chile’s first female sculptor Rebeca Matte, is displayed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
José Miguel de La Barra 650, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
In Greek mythology, Dikē was the goddess of justice who hailed from Mount Olympus. The deity is typically portrayed with two scales in her outreached hand. This bronze version in front of the Place of Justice, however, is holding her iconic symbol collapsed against her side. The Roman equivalent Justitia normally wears a blindfold.
Plaza de La Justicia S/N, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
At the entrance of the Gate of Heavenly Purity is a pair of bronze, gilded lions. Apparently they differ from the typical guardian lions because their ears point down versus stand up. The reason is they are not meant to protect against evil and intruders. Instead, these lions were a reminder to female members of the imperial family not to interfere with the official proceedings conducted in the Outer Court.
Meridian Gate, Dongcheng Qu, Donghuamen Rd, Beijing Shi, China, 100006
The 1,075 year old Beihai Park in Beijing, China, is 27 square acres of beautiful gardens, temples, islands and lakes. One of the highlights is the 118 foot White Pagoda (Bai Ta), which was erected in 1651. In front is the Hall of Beneficent Causation (Shan Yin Dian) which was constructed 100 years later. On the staircase leading up to them is this marble, delicately carved dragon head.
1 Wenjin St, Xicheng Qu, China, 100034
With 23 million people, Shanghai is the largest city in China and the world. Walking along the streets that were first settled in the 5th century is fascinating … and very busy. There are so many historic places jammed into your travel book that it is impossible to see them all. While you’re trying, you’ll also come across interesting sights not listed in any guide or the Internet. For example, standing against a building on a street corner were a dozen, life-size sculptures of Chinese people as if they were waiting for a bus. The fine detail of their clothes was in stark contrast to their blank facial expressions.
A major bucket list destination for millions of people worldwide – and always ranked among China’s top three tourist attractions – is the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum. Regardless of how many photos you have seen, your first glance of the Terracotta Army is a sensational experience. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site from the early 3rd century BC is located in the Lintong District about 22 miles north of central Xi’an.
Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, Lintong District, Xi’an, Shanxi, China 710612
If you stay at the Hotel InterContinental or are just walk down Carrera 1 in the Bocagrande neighborhood, you can’t miss this sculpture by Israeli artist Idan Zareski. The bronze and resin statue is appropriately called Bigfoot. It seems Zareski has created similar works in all sizes: small, medium, big, and baby big feet. Apparently none of his art features Sasquatch.
Carrera 1 #51, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
This huge statue of a woman is appropriately called Fat Lady. The reclining figure was created by sculptor Fernando Botero. He is a famous artist from Medellín, Colombia, who specializes in creating people with exaggerated shapes. The La Gordita artwork dominates the center of Plaza de Santo Domingo. This square once served as a market for slave trading.
Cl. 35 #3-16, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
This huge bronze statue in Giardin Park by Ivan Meštrović is of Grgur Ninski. It is considered good luck to rub his toes. Gregory of Nin was very radical while the Bishop of Nin from 900 until 929. He instructed the churches in his diocese to celebrate the mass in the Croatian Glagolic language and not in Latin. He lost his position as a result. In 1570, the Dalmatic region of Croatia was allowed to celebrate the mass in their native tongue. Finally, in 1962 during the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church adopted the same policy and the Latin Mass changed forever. In the background is the St. Arnir campanile.
Ul. kralja Tomislava 12, 21000, Split, Croatia
Havana was founded in 1515 by Conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar. The original name for this settlement by the bay was San Cristóbal de la Habana. According to folklore, Habana referred to an Indian woman. That legend is personified in Fuente de la India, sculpted by Giuseppe Gaggini in 1837. On her shield is the city’s coat of arms – three castles and the “Key to the New World.” Surrounding the Carrara marble pedestal are four dolphins with water flowing from their gaping mouths. Fountain of the Indian Woman can be found at the end of Paseo del Prado near El Capitolio.
Parque De La Fuente De La India, La Habana, Cuba
This exquisite sculpture on De Ruyterkade along the Waaigat waterfront is a memorial to the local servicemen and citizens who were killed during World War II. It features a bronze female accented by two blades towering 36 feet into the sky. The “Monument to the Fallen” was created in 1957 by artist Federico Carasso. Along the circular base is a plaque with the names of those who died from 1940 through 1945.
Kaya Curaçaose Courant & Waaigatplein, Willemstad, Curaçao
In 1683, this likeness of St. John of Nepomuk with a five-star halo was the first statue to be placed on the Charles Bridge. It marks where he was tortured and then thrown off the bridge in 1383. His “crime” was not telling Wenceslaus IV, the King of Bohemia, the confessions of his wife, Queen Johanna of Bavaria. John of Nepomuk was canonized in 1729 for his willingness to die versus betray the Seal of the Confessional. The sculpture was created by Matthias Rauchmüller and Jan Brokoff and unveiled 300 years after John of Nepomuk’s martyrdom.
Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia
In 1837, Hans Christian Anderson wrote a fairy tale about a mermaid who longed for the love a prince. The story has been retold in various media including a ballet at the Royal Theater in Copenhaugen. When the son of Carlsberg Brewery owner saw it, he asked the ballet star Ellen Price to pose for sculptor Edvard Eriksen. This statue along the Langelinie promenade at the water’s edge became iconic almost immediately after being unveiled in 1913.
Langelinie 19 2100 København Ø, Denmark
The Christopher Columbus monument at Parque Colón is the epicenter of historical Santo Domingo. Columbus set foot on this island on December 5, 1492, toward the end of his first voyage. The Taino people called the isle Ayti. Columbus renamed his discovery La Isla Española (Hispaniola). Four years later, Columbus’ brother Bartholomew established the New World’s first Spanish colony. Initially, the settlement was called La Nueva Isabela. A short time later it was retitled Santo Domingo in honor of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the founder of the Dominican Order. This bronze tribute to Cristóbal Colón was sculpted by Ernesto Gilbert and erected in 1886.
Parque Colón, Calle Isabel La Católica, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic
The date was July 16, 1838. A group of men assembled in the home of Juan Pablo Duarte a few steps from this square. Their common cause was to gain freedom from Haitian rule. They formed a secret society called La Trinitaria (The Trinity). That meeting led to a declaration of independence in 1844 and the end of 22 years of oppression. Military conflicts ensued through 1856 until Haiti was finally suppressed. For his bravery as the visionary leader of the resistance, Juan Pablo Duarte is called the Founding Father of Dominican Republic. In 1930, this monument was erected in his honor at Duarte Park (Parque Duarte).
Parque Duarte, Calle Padre Billini, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic
At the Del Carmen Hill Tunnel is this 39 foot, suspended monkey. He appears to be reaching toward passing cars like a playful King Kong. The Monkey Machín sculpture consists of over 110,000 ceramic tiles. The statue is based on the monkey in the children’s story, “Owl Juan and the Monkey Machín Play in the Centenario Park.” The author is Fátima Quiroz de Kuri, better known as Aunt Popy. She has created a series of books and a book club to teach children about their city while encouraging them to read. People born in Guayaquil are often called monos by outsiders. This translates to monkeys.
Juan Javier Marcos & Paso Elevado Para Retorno, Guayaquil 090150, Ecuador