These incredible sculptures, scattered across the globe, offer not just artistic beauty but deep symbolic meanings that resonate with viewers.
1. Statue of King Arthur, England
2. Melancholy, a sculpture by Albert Gyorgy, depicts the emptiness that grief leaves behind.
We may look as if we carry on with our lives as before. We may even have times of joy and happiness. Everything may seem normal. But this emptiness is how we all feel… all the time. — John Maddox
3. Christ of the Abyss is one of the most unique bronze statues in the world.
Crafted by Guido Galletti in 1954, it was placed on the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea—between Camogli and Portofino on the Italian Riviera—where it stays to this day, embraced by the azure waters.
- This colossal sculpture was crafted nearly 450 years ago by Flemish sculptor Giambologna as a representation of Italy’s Apennine mountains.
Standing almost 14 meters (45 ft) tall, it was commissioned by Francesco de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in 1579.
Positioned above a pond, the statue featured a head chamber where Francesco enjoyed night fishing. When a fire was lit inside, the eyes glowed red and smoke billowed from the nostrils.
- Second only to Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Maratea stands at a height of 21 meters (68 ft).
6. Not the most amazing statue, but definitely an amazing story. In Istanbul, Turkey, they made a statue to honor the famous stray cat (Tombili) that used to sit in this position and watch the passers by.
- The largest bird sculpture on Earth.
Rajiv Anchal spent 10 years creating this astonishing statue of an eagle.
- This is Ajax and Cassandra, a stunning marble sculpture created in 2022 by one of Italy’s greatest contemporary artists, Jago.
- Sendai Daikannon in Japan, standing at 100 meters (330 ft), is the eighth-tallest statue in the world.
- Nicolas Lavarenne’s “The Great Challenge” in Antibes, on the French Riviera.
- This is the view approaching the Statue of Unity in India.
As the tallest statue globally, it stands at a towering height of 182 meters (597 ft), nearly three times taller than the Statue of Liberty
- Bruno Catalano’s sculpture captures the deep emptiness felt by migrants as they leave their homeland—parting from loved ones and their community—in search of a brighter future.
Bruno Catalano’s series of sculptures, featuring partially missing figures, represents the feeling of leaving a part of oneself behind when traveling. They are both haunting and beautiful.
- The incredible statue of Neptune (Poseidon) in Gran Canaria, Spain.
- The Leshan Giant Buddha in China (800 AD).
Standing at 71 meters (233 ft) tall, it is the tallest pre-modern statue in the world.
- Everyone knows Michelangelo’s statue of David, but those fortunate enough to visit one of Rome’s greatest museums (Galleria Borghese) know that Bernini also crafted an extraordinary portrayal of the biblical hero.
16. The Kiss of Death is a marble sculpture created in 1930, located in Poblenou Cemetery, Barcelona.
- The Weight of Thought, bronze sculptures by Thomas Lerooy.
- Victor Noir’s grave in Père Lachaise Cemetery
Journalist Victor Noir, killed by Prince Pierre Bonaparte, a cousin of Emperor Napoleon III, became a symbol of opposition to the imperial regime. His tomb has since become a fertility symbol, with the lips and trousers’ bulge noticeably shiny from visitors kissing his face and rubbing the genital area for fertility blessings.
- The incredible handkerchief detail in this marble statue, crafted by French sculptor Louis Philippe Mouchy in 1781.
- The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, portraying Saint Teresa of Ávila in a state of religious ecstasy with an angel holding a spear standing over her.
- Luo Li Rong is a contemporary artist renowned for creating hyper-realistic clay and bronze sculptures.
- The Dignity statue in South Dakota.
23. King Neptune statue by Paul DiPasquale in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
24. Genghis Khan statue in Mongolia.
25. Christ the Redeemer statue in Lodwar, Kenya
Christ the Redeemer statue in Lodwar, Kenya, situated deep in the desert approximately 700 kilometers from the capital. This sculpture, inspired by the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, stands as a breathtaking symbol in its own right.
26. “The Zulo” is a bronze sculpture by Víctor Ochoa, displayed since 2009 on the esplanade of the port of Cartagena, a city in the Region of Murcia, Spain. It serves as a tribute to the victims of terrorism.
27. The kiss in Batumi
The “Kiss in Batumi” is a dynamic sculpture located in Batumi, Georgia. It depicts two figures made of metal moving away from each other, then drawing closer, and ultimately passing each other, symbolizing the ebb and flow of relationships.
28. Franz Kafka statue in Prague!
29. The Kelpies – Falkirk, Scotland These 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures celebrate the role of horses in Scottish industry and agriculture. Designed by Andy Scott, they are a mesmerizing sight, especially when illuminated at night.
30. Mustangs at Las Colinas – Irving, Texas Created by Robert Glen, this impressive sculpture features nine mustangs galloping across a granite stream. It’s one of the largest equestrian sculptures in the world, capturing the spirit of Texas.
31. The Headington Shark – Oxford, England A unique and whimsical installation by John Buckley, this 25-foot shark appears to have crashed through the roof of a suburban home, symbolizing the unpredictability of life.
32. The Giant Hand – Atacama Desert, Chile Known as “Mano del Desierto,” this striking hand emerges from the barren landscape of the Atacama Desert. Created by Mario Irarrázabal, it symbolizes human vulnerability and loneliness.
33. The Unknown Official – Reykjavik, Iceland This sculpture by Magnús Tómasson humorously depicts a faceless bureaucrat carrying a briefcase, poking fun at the anonymity and monotony of officialdom.
34. Maman – Bilbao, Spain Created by Louise Bourgeois, this giant spider sculpture stands outside the Guggenheim Museum. It is both imposing and delicate, representing the strength and fragility of motherhood.
35. Non-Violence – New York City, USA This iconic sculpture by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd features a revolver with its barrel knotted, symbolizing peace and non-violence. It’s a powerful statement located near the United Nations Headquarters.
36. Digital Orca – Vancouver, Canada Designed by Douglas Coupland, this pixelated orca whale seems to leap from the water near Vancouver’s waterfront, blending digital art with natural beauty
