Danish Ministry of Culture decides to remove “Large Mermaid” sculpture from Dragør Fort

Copenhagen Authorities to Remove Mermaid Sculpture Deemed Provocative.

The decision has been taken by the Danish Ministry of Culture.

But this is not about the famous beauty, Edvard Eriksen's Little Mermaid, but about a contemporary sculpture installed in 2018 in the very centre of the city, on the Langelinie promenade, not far from her celebrated sister.

Many disliked the fact that the symbol of Copenhagen had acquired a vulgar neighbour, and in 2018 the "Large Mermaid" was moved to Dragør Fort, south of the city, where old naval fortifications built in 1910 are to be found. But even in its new location the sculpture will apparently not stay long. The Agency for Culture and Palaces has called for the sculpture to be removed from the fort, since it "constitutes an element alien to the place".

A similar story occurred in 2023 in the Italian town of Monopoli in the region of Apulia. A rather vulgar contemporary sculpture of a mermaid entitled "Sea" likewise drew criticism for being "too provocative in character".

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Danish Ministry of Culture decides to remove “Large Mermaid” sculpture from Dragør Fort

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