Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale, the Little Mermaid statue has been a cherished symbol of Copenhagen for over a century. Since 1913, the 1.5-meter-tall bronze sculpture has perched gracefully on a rock by the city’s waterfront, beckoning visitors from around the globe.
In a historic first, the iconic statue left Denmark in 2010 to participate in the Shanghai World Expo. Installed at the heart of the Denmark Pavilion, the Little Mermaid brought a piece of Copenhagen’s charm to China, captivating over five million visitors during the six-month event.
The journey not only showcased Denmark’s cultural heritage but also symbolized a bridge between nations through art and storytelling. For many, seeing the Little Mermaid in Shanghai was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, blending the magic of Andersen’s tale with the excitement of global collaboration.
