According to Māori legend, Kupe Raiatea was the chief of the Polynesian tribe Hawaiki. In 925 AD, he discovered New Zealand. Also aboard the Matawhourua canoe was Pekahourangi the Tohunga and Kupe’s wife, Hine-te-aparangi. When she sighted land, she exclaimed, “He ao! He ao!” This translates to, “a cloud, a cloud.” So Kupe named the new land Aotearoa meaning “long white cloud.” In 1939, artist William Trethewey created this statuary in plaster. He called it “The Coming of the Māori.” This rendition along the waterfront was cast in bronze in 1999.
Wellington Rowing Club, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
There are so many wonderful mosaic sculptures within “The Artist’s Garden” at Giant’s House that you can mistakenly flitter from one to the next in your eagerness to see them all. Slow down and savor. Each scene is filled with entertaining intricacies. Notice the queen’s scalloped wings. The king’s scepter capped with a jester. And what is the meaning of the lurking purple ghoul with the sinister yellow eyes?
68 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
The bullseye of Dunedin’s central business district (downtown) is The Octagon. These are two, eight-sided wedges defined by a ring called Moray Place. Many of the city’s historic landmarks – such as St. Paul’s Cathedral – are within or along the outer boundaries of this core. Accenting the inner plaza since 1897 is this bronze statue of Robert Burns by sculptor Sir John Steell. Burns became the National Poet of Scotland during the late 18th century and is best remembered for penning “Auld Lang Syne.” His brother, Reverend Thomas Burns, co-founded the Otago settlement and the First Church of Otago in 1848. He was part of the Otago Association. These members of the Free Church of Scotland called their new colony Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. To this day, Dunedin is still called Edinburgh of the South.
The Octagon, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
This angelic silhouette holding the globe is Harmony. The metalwork by Andy Scott, also called the Beacon of Hope, is an allegory for “oneness of mankind.” The plaque at its base further explains it symbolizes, “peace, reconciliation and respect for diversity.” The 64 foot, stainless steel sculpture was erected along the River Lagan in Thanksgiving Square in 2005.
4 Queens Square, Belfast BT1 3DJ, UK
This statue is so homely bordering on ugly that it is endearing. The Crying Boy (Grinegutten) was created in 1948 by Sofus Madsen. He spent most of his 96 years (1881 – 1977) sculpting life-size and larger-than-life human figures. If you like his work, you can see 28 more scattered throughout Bergen. On Sundays during the summer, you can also visit the Sofus Madsen Sculpture Museum (Skulpturmuseum) in the Landås neighborhood.
Rasmus Meyers Allé 3, 5015 Bergen, Norway
Bergen has an abundance of outdoor bronze sculptures. The majority portray the once famous (although probably unknown to most people who walk by every day). One statue features the destitute (who most people choose to ignore as they walk by every day). The Homeless statue cowers at the front entrance of the former Bergens Privatbank. The building now houses the high-end fashion store Høyer. Utligigger was created by Arne Mæland in 1999. The inscription in Norwegian translates to “Nobody is just what you see.”
Torgallmenningen 2, 5014 Bergen, Norway
The Monolith is the centerpiece of Frogner Park. The tower consists of 121 intertwined naked people ranging in age from an old man to a newborn. Apparently it symbolizes human’s universal desire to be closer to each other and the divine spirit. The monument was designed by Gustav Vigeland in 1924. Then, starting in 1929, it took three carvers 14 years to sculpt all of the figures from the 46 foot tall solid piece of granite.
Monolitten 0268 Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s nickname is Tigerstaden or The Tiger City. In 2000, residents wanted to celebrate their millennium in grand fashion. Part of the ceremonies was erecting this 14.8 foot bronze statue by Elena Engelsen in front of Jernbanetorget, Oslo Central Station. Tigeren has become a favorite among tourists and locals. Sometimes the fierce sculpture can scare even the bravest of little boys.
Jernbanetorget, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century and the Inca Empire before them (1438 – 1533), the indigenous people of the Ichma culture lived in the valleys surrounding present day Lima. This bronze of a farmer with two oxen in a yoke is a tribute to those pre-Columbian ancestors. “La Yunta” which means “Work” was sculpted in 1937 by Peruvian artist Ismael Pozo Velit. The statue stands in front of the Palace of Justice on Paseo de Republica.
Av Paseo de la República & Jirón Miguel Aljovin, Cercado de Lima 15001, Peru
The dramatic, Costa Verde’s cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean is a favorite jumping off point for paragliders. The paraport is located in Parque el Faro next to the La Marina Lighthouse. When the wind conditions are right, the sky is filled with thrill seekers dangling below their colorful canopies. I would rather be engaged in kissing my wife like the sculpture at left called El Beso (The Kiss) rather than kissing my butt goodbye.
Malecón Cisneros & Malecón Balta, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Sigismund Tower was constructed in the 15th century, elevated in the 16th and capped with a copper dome in 1899. This is one of the most famous belfries in Poland. Inside are four small bells named Urban (1364), Cardinal (1455), Stanislaw (1463) and Wacław (1460). The fifth is the Royal Sigismund Bell. This enormous bronze bell forged in 1520 is over 15 feet tall, eight feet wide and weighs more than 14 tons. A dozen men are required to make the Dzwon Zygmunta toll. In the foreground is the Tadeusz Kościuszko Monument. During the American Revolution, this Polish engineer helped build fortifications against the British in Philadelphia, West Point and for the Battle of Saratoga. At the end of the 18th century, he was a revolutionary leader in Poland against Russia and Prussia. The equestrian statue was created by Leonard Marconi in 1900. After the original was destroyed by the Nazis during WWII, this replica was erected in 1960.
Wawel Cathedral, Wawel 3, 31-001 Kraków, Poland
The Monument to the Discoveries, known as Padrão dos Descobrimentos, stands nearly 171 feet tall along the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. It’s a tribute to the Age of Discovery when the Portuguese and Spanish, and later other European countries, raced to explore, navigate and claim unchartered continents during the 15 through 17th centuries. At the front of the ship’s bow is Henry the Navigator. Behind him are 32 statues of famous people who contributed to Portugal’s navigational successes.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Grand Cascade features 64 fountains, 37 Romanesque sculptures, 16 side vases, 29 bas-reliefs plus statues of dolphins, lions, ducks, turtles and frogs. The original collection totaled 225 pieces by six sculptors. The artworks were initially constructed with lead. They were replaced by gilded bronze versions nearly a century later. Prior to the German occupation in 1941, many of the statues were buried around the property. Unfortunately, most of those left unprotected were destroyed or stolen. This exquisite ensemble was painstakingly reproduced from 1947 through 1950. The Grand Cascade is worthy of countless superlatives.
Razvodnaya Ulitsa, 2, Petergof, Sankt-Peterburg, 198516, Russia
The Bronze Horseman is an iconic monument to Peter the Great at Senatskaya Ploshchad (Senate Square). This huge sculpture by Étienne Maurice Falconet demonstrated the absolutism (supreme central power) established by Peter I toward the end of the Tsardom of Russia and strengthened when he founded the Russian Empire in 1721. This tribute to Peter Alexeyevich was commissioned by Catherine the Great. In 1782, it was erected atop Thunder Stone. The boulder originally weighed over 1,650 tons. The name Bronze Horseman is a misnomer. The sculpture is cast from copper.
Senatskaya Ploshchad', Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 190000
Along each wing of Catherine Palace are two rows of Baroque gilded Atlantes. On the front of the palace, there are 48 large ones on the first level and 88 on the second story. The same number graces the backside. Using a male figure as a column was introduced by the Greeks during the Early Classical Period (490 to 450 BCE). They typically represent Atlas, the Titan from mythology who was condemned by Zeus to hold up the sky for eternity. These were created by Johann Franz Dunker. The German sculptor also designed the Atlantes and Caryatids (female columns) for the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. Admiration for Dunker’s work sparked a revival of these columns in architecture through the early 19th century.
Garden St, 7, Pushkin, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 196601
David Hume was an 18th century philosopher who attempted to explain human thought, morality and behavior. He was also the author of the best-selling, six-volume books called The History of England published from 1754 through 1761. This nine foot, bronze statue by sculptor Sandy Stoddart stands near the High Court Building on the Royal Mile. In the background is the famous crown spire of St. Giles’ Cathedral.
381 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PW, UK
In 1493, Christopher Columbus returned to Spain after discovering the New World. His first step back to Catalonia at this spot is commemorated with a 197 foot column called Mirador de Colom. This tribute designed by Gaietà Buigas i Monravà was erected at Plaça de La Porta de Pau in 1888. In addition to the 23 foot bronze statue of the famous explorer on top, the monument is adorned with allegory sculptures, bas reliefs and statues of men involved with Columbus’ expedition. For a real treat, take an elevator to the top of the viewing platform.
Plaça Portal de la pau, 9998, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
This bronze, equestrian sculpture was created by Ramiro Mejías to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Granada’s liberation from the Muslims in 1492. It adorns the rooftop of Granada City Hall (Ayuntamiento de Granada). Housed here is the mayor and the City Council of Granada. Where you are standing is Plaza del Carmen. This square was previously occupied by the old cloister of a Carmelite monastery. It was demolished in the mid-19th century. The convent also had a larger building called the new cloister. Sections of this were preserved when creating City Hall. If you need help planning your tour of Granada, walk through the door beneath this clock. Inside is a great tourist office. Their staff is eager to help you.
Plaza del Carmen, 18009 Granada, Spain
Inspired by John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” sculptor Ricardo Bellver created a statue of Lucifer’s expulsion from heaven in 1877 for Spain’s National Exhibition of Fine Arts. In 1885, a bronze version was erected on a pedestal within a fountain at Buen Retiro Park. This image of Satan is located within the Rosaleda Gardens. Some people claim the 23 foot Fuente del Ángel Caído is the world’s only public monument to the Devil.
Parque del Retiro, Glorieta del Ángel Caído, s/n, 28014 Madrid, Spain
In 1918, during the Assembly of Andalusian Provinces in Ronda, Blas Infante displayed a flag in this square with Hercules standing triumphantly beside two lions and the pillars from the Strait of Gibraltar. The Father of Andalusia Nationalism sought to become an independent republic within Spain. His rebellious leadership resulted in his execution by General Francisco Franco in 1936 at the start of the Spanish Civil War. His last words were, “Long live free Andalusia.” The sculptures in front of the Church of Socorro are part of Andalusia’s coat of arms and flag.
Plaza del Socorro, 9, 29400 Ronda, Spain
Standing on an orb representing the world is this griffin wearing a gilded crown. The gryphon is a large, powerful beast from Greek mythology. The creature has the body of a lion plus the wings and face of an eagle. This bronze, outdoor art by Sivert Lindblom was created in 1999. The sculpture is prominently displayed in a square called Gustav Adolfs Torg.
Gustav Adolfs torg Gamla staden, Malmö, Sweden
This statue of Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, poetry and music, appears to be flashing the city of Stockholm because he is naked except for his helmet. Called the Sun Singer, or Solsångaren in Swedish, the sculpture was created by Carl Milles. The giant bronze stands proudly and unabashedly in Strömparterren Park overlooking the Norrström with the Grand Hôtel in the background.
Strömparterren 3 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden
This golden figure of a half-man, half-bird is called a Kinnara. It originally comes from Hindu mythology but has been adapted in Thailand. The creature, which can fly between the mystical and human worlds, marries a Kinnaris. Their love is everlasting and their life is one of perpetual pleasure. This statue is at Wat Phra Kaew in the Grand Palace.
Na Phra Lan Rd, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
This horizontal view of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho gives you a sense of its enormous size. The body measures 50 feet high and about 150 feet long. This gilded masterpiece feels even bigger because it is wedged inside a building. The tight surrounding corridor has 108 bronze bowls. They represent the number of actions required to reach perfection. Dropping a penny into each promises good fortune.
25 Thai Wang Alley, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
The Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit is considered to be the world’s largest gold statue. At 5.5 tons of 18 karat gold, the metal alone is worth over $250 million dollars. Possibly cast in India during the 13th or 14th century, it was covered in plaster before the collapse of the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1767 and was therefore considered unimportant until 1955 when it fell while being transported and the gold was revealed.
Tri Mit Rd Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
It is typical to see a mythical creature guarding the entrance of a Buddhist temple in Thailand but rarely do you see a full-sized dragon that is as ornate and colorful as this one outside of the viharn or prayer hall at Wat Chai Mongkol.
142 Charoen Prathet Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
These are nine of the 60 standing, Dvaravati style Buddha statues inside niches that surround the Chedi Kukut at Wat Chamthewi. The stupa’s square base is 50 feet wide and the five tiers reach a height of 69 feet. Inside are the ashes of Queen Chama Thewi who became the first ruler of the Haripunchai Kingdom in 663 A.D.
Wat Cham Thewi, Moo 5, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Lamphun, Lamphun, 51000, Thailand
Before leaving Domitian Square, look for this triangular carving of Nike. The winged Greek goddess is portrayed clutching an olive wreath in her left hand (symbolizing victory) and a palm branch in the other (representing peace). The marble slab was originally part of Hercules Gate.
Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
The highlight of the Ephesus Museum is the Hall of Artemis Ephesia. There you will admire statues of Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting and chastity. She is typically portrayed as a hunter. But the Lady of Ephesus is adorned with multiple breasts symbolizing her fertility. This 5.75 foot marble statue was named Artemis the Beautiful when discovered in 1956. It was sculpted during the 2nd century AD. The larger version is Colossal Artemis from the 1st century.
Atatürk, Uğur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu No: 26, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
Next to the Cruise Center is this display of an astronaut wearing a space suit, a model of a Mercury-Atlas 6 rocket and a red and white parachute as it guides a space capsule into the sea from its final descent of 21,000 feet. Splashdown Grand Turk celebrates John Glenn’s 1962 historical three orbits around the earth in Friendship 7. After traveling 65,763 nautical miles in almost five hours, he entered the Atlantic near Grand Turk. This 3,500 foot exhibit, which opened in 2011, tells the story of Project Mercury, the Mercury 7 astronauts and highlights of NASA’s accomplishments.
Splashdown Grand Turk, Grand Turk Cruise Center, Marina, TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands
Everyone has heard Confucius quotes regarding ideal behavior and ethics. In 1070, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, was built in honor of this great philosopher who lived from 551 through 479 BC. In the fourth courtyard is the Great House of Ceremonies with the red lacquered statue of Confucius plus other altars for his disciples and philosophers. This temple was also Vietnam’s first university where students studied at the Imperial Academy for three to seven years.
Temple Of Literature 58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Vietnam
In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is the 19th century Mariamman Temple. She is the Hindu goddess of fertility, rain and the cure for heat-based diseases. Above the gopuram (rectangular tower entrance) and inside the main temple are colorful, ornate carvings and statues (called murtis) of similar deities, including Bhuavaneswari, the all-powerful Queen of the Universe. After the take-over of South Vietnam in 1975, the temple was converted into a joss (incense) stick factory, but is once again an active Mandira (Hindu place of worship).
45 Trương Định, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
This giant head lying on its side along the waterfront of Cardiff Bay immediately grabs your attention. Walk around it and you will discover it transforms into a ship’s hull. The dramatic and moving steel sculpture by Brian Fell is called the Merchant Seafarers’ War Memorial. This tribute to merchant seamen who died during World War II was installed in 1997. The visionary and fundraiser for its commission was William Henke.
Merchant Seafarer's Cardiff, CF10 4PZ, UK
The Welsh National War Memorial is a tribute to the soldiers who died during World War I with a plaque mentioning WWII. The white, circular monument supported by Corinthian columns encircles three bronze statues of servicemen holding a wreath. Also created by A. B. Pegram is the center figure of St Michael the Archangel with a sword. The memorial was design by Sir John Ninian Comper and unveiled in Alexandra Gardens in 1928.
King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff CF10 3NN, UK