The sculpture’s head was modeled after ballerina Ellen Price, who performed the lead in the ballet, but she refused to pose nude for the body.
The statue has been decapitated twice, had an arm removed, and been splashed with paint and explosives multiple times.
In 2010, the statue was transported to China to be the centerpiece of the Danish Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo.
The statue is officially owned by the descendants of the sculptor Edvard Eriksen, though it sits on public land.
It is frequently cited as one of the most 'disappointing' tourist attractions worldwide due to its relatively small size compared to traveler expectations.
The Little Mermaid is a 1.25-meter-tall bronze sculpture depicting a character from Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale. Unveiled in 1913, the statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg, after he was inspired by a ballet performance at the Royal Theatre. Sculptor Edvard Eriksen modeled the figure using his wife, Eline Eriksen, as the primary physical model. The statue is situated on a granite boulder directly in the water of Copenhagen Harbor along the Langelinie promenade. It has been the target of several acts of vandalism throughout its history, including being decapitated and pushed off its base multiple times. The sculpture serves as a symbol of Copenhagen and is frequently maintained by the City of Copenhagen to repair damage from such events. Visitors view the piece from the shoreline as it remains permanently mounted on its rock base.
The shoreline path directly facing the statue allows for a clear, unobstructed shot of the sculpture against the harbor background.
Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the largest crowds from cruise ships docked nearby.
Bring a telephoto lens or camera with good zoom, as the sculpture is positioned several meters away from the walking path.
Combine the visit with a walk through the nearby Kastellet, a well-preserved star-shaped fortress.
Do not attempt to climb or touch the sculpture; it is situated in the water and sits on a slippery rock base.
