Oversized and undressed statues seem to be popping up in public locations around the world. The reaction to these fun statues is entertaining.
Some giggle, others cringe and turn away, but as a photographer, I see them as photo opportunities.
And I am not the only one.
We asked travel bloggers around the world to contribute images of their favourite oversized and undressed statues. Take a look at this collection of fun statues organized below by continent.
Fun statues in Asia
South Korea
Photo by Lindsay Mickles of The Never Ending Wanderlust
Breastfeeding Woman on Nami Island
Nami Island (Namiseom Island) is a man-made island in the Gangwon province of South Korea. It is a hot spot for tourists because of its natural beauty and as a filming location for the popular Korean drama Winter Sonata.
Among the many attractions on the island, there is one of the most interesting statues I’ve seen in Korea (outside of what you can see in Haesindang Park), a woman breastfeeding her child. I was unable to find a special name for the statue, but everyone had to take a picture with her!
Nami Island and the surrounding areas are worth checking out if you visit Korea!
Singapore
Photo by Pohtecktoes of The Travel Intern
“Planet” at Gardens by the Bay
A floating baby sculpture in Singapore? This seven-ton bronze sculpture can be found at the popular Gardens by the Bay, behind the iconic Marina Bay Sands.
Created by renowned British artist Marc Quinn, the “Planet” is a symbol of vulnerability and a reflection of the world we live in today. Despite being huge and solid, at the end of the day, it is still a baby.
The artist also describes this as a paradox – huge and heavy, yet appearing weightless as it balances perfectly on the right hand. To me, it’s kind of apt that it’s found in a man-made garden surrounded by the concrete jungles of Singapore.
Read next: Things to Do in Singapore for Couples
Fun statues in South America
Colombia
La Gorda in Cartagena
Called La Gorda, “the Fat One”, this huge reclining nude was my inspiration for this page. She is a key figure in the Plaza Santo Domingo in Cartagena, Colombia, a restaurant-filled square once used for the slave trade market.
Looking at her backside, we giggled as we enjoyed our Colombian coffee. I could clearly see the exaggerated shapes that are the trademark of her creator, Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero.
Fun statues in Oceania
Australia
Contributed by Paula and Gordon of Contented Traveller
Sheep in Canberra
Australians are very good at laughing at themselves and very skilled at putting shit on anything. This particularly applies to the capital city of Australia, Canberra. In fact, it is an art form to make jokes about Canberra.
The site for the capital city of Australia was a hotly contested debate. Both Sydney and Melbourne were desperate to be named as the seat of power. What was decided instead was to pick a midway point, which happened to be a sheep farm. It was there that Canberra was purpose-built to be the political capital of Australia.
Of course, the jokes about Canberra being a sheep farm and the politicians being sheep, etc. started from when the city was established in 1913. I was delighted to see this statue in Canberra, as it showed that the people of Canberra are finally able to laugh at themselves.
Theseus and the Minotaur in Sydney
The Theseus and the Minotaur are one of three groups of statues at Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park in Sydney. Here, Theseus conquers the minotaur, representing sacrifice for the common good. Walking around the fountain, we also found Diana, the Goddess of Purity, and then Pan, who symbolises the good things on earth.
New Zealand
Contributed by Nicole LaBarge of Travelgal Nicole
Solace of the Wind in Wellington
The Solace of the Wind sculpture is of a naked man leaning into the prevailing northerly. Anyone who knows Wellington knows it as Windy Wellington.
Locals often dress it up for all different occasions, from Santa Clause to wearing a life jacket to promote boating safety. And tourists enjoy using it as a photo companion with the Wellington waterfront as the background.
Read next: Wellington Activities: 37 Things to Do in Wellington, the Capital of NZ
Fun statues in Europe
Czech Republic
Contributed by Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz of GettingStamped
In Utero in Prague
Prague is full of unique and strange statues, many by David Černý, one of the Czech Republic’s most famous sculptors. One of my favourite things to do in Prague is to wander around and get lost, which is how I found In Utero.
In Utero is a 6-meter-tall naked pregnant woman on her knees but don’t be afraid to get up close. Her womb is hollow, so you can literally step inside and experience the womb. It’s the most bizarre statue I’ve ever seen but gorgeous at the same time.
You can find In Utero not far from Old Town on Dlouha Street. There are several David Černý statues throughout the city so keep your eyes open.
Read next: 12 Fun Things to Do in Prague – a Mix of Old-world Charm and Innovation
Finland
Contributed by Margherita Ragg of The Crowded Planet
Bad Bad Boy, Helsinki
Did you think Brussels is the only city with a statue of a kid peeing? A few years ago, a new site appeared near the harbour of Helsinki – an 8.5-meter statue of a child peeing in a canal right next to the harbour.
Manneken Pis in Brussels is cute and chubby, whereas Bad Bad Boy is kind of ghostly and spooky – but makes for a pretty cool landmark. The statue was moved to the city’s West Harbour recently, and it’s now pissing on the sidewalk!
France
Contributed by Lyn & Steve Baker of A Hole in my Shoe
L’improvisateur in Bandol, Cote D’Azur
In Bandol, a Mediterranean town on the Cote D’Azur stands a fun little statue named L’improvisateur. Located on the promenade between the marketplace and seafront stands the cheeky, naked flute player.
As the mythical Pan plays his flute, it seems passers-by give part of his anatomy some play. Judging by the cheeky grin on his face, it’s not just the views of the sea that brings him pleasure. The weathered statue, boldly baring his nakedness, has a polished pecker from all the fondling he receives.
Unlike caressing the testicles of the Charging Bull of Wall Street for strength and financial power, it is said touching Pan’s tallywhacker brings good luck and fertility.
Italy
Contributed by Marta Correale. Read more about this giant at Learning Escapes
Appennine Colossus’ aka ‘the giant of Pratolino’, Florence
The giant dates back to the XVI century and was built by Italian sculptor Giambologna as part of the decor of Villa Demidoff, a noble estate in the outskirts of Florence, Italy, now open to the public.
The Colossus is depicted in a pensive pose, and it is carved as if made of the same rocks and the aquatic life of the pond behind him. He is 35 feet tall and represents the mountain range of the Apennines, which crosses this region.
The Colossus is a statue but also a building as its inside hides a series of rooms and grottoes that, at the time of construction, would have contained water fountains, frescoes and, apparently, even space for a small orchestra!
Read next: Italy Cruise Ports: One Day in Rome, Florence, Naples, or Venice
Norway
Vigeland Park in Oslo, Norway
This woman holding a child is one of over 200 sculptures by the famed Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Located in Oslo at Vigeland Park, his various artworks depict the full range of the human life cycle from birth to old age.
From what we saw, I believe they are all nude. Vigeland Park holds the title of the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist.
Read next: Oslo in One Day: Ski Jump, Vikings, Artwork, and Cruise Port Options
Spain
Roman Warrior in La Cornua
Another piece of sculpture by Colombian artist Fernando Botero is the Roman Warrior. It stands tall and proud outside the Human Body Museum in La Coruna, Spain. Again Botero uses exaggerated and disproportionate features; in this case, the massive upper body and rolling muscles.
El Guardian in La Coruna
I have to admit, El Guardian caught us off guard. Created by Galician sculpture Ramon Conde, it “guards” the base of the path leading to the Tower of Hercules in La Coruna, Spain.
Read next: 21 Things to do in La Coruña Spain, From beaches to historic sites
Fun statues in North America and the Caribbean
Cuba
Photo by Barbara Wagner
La Conversacion in Havana
La Conversacion is a bronze contemporary statue created by the French artist Etienne. It is located on Plaza San Francisco de Asis by the entrance of the Lonja del Comercio.
La Conversacion symbolizes the need for conversation in contemporary society. It is an interesting statue and a must for everyone to see, who visits Cuba.
USA
Photo by Carole Terwilliger Meyers of Travels with Carole
Adam and Eve, New York City
Two oversize and undressed Fernando Botero bronze statues stand inside the shops at Columbus Circle, an upscale shopping centre inside the Time Warner Center in NYC in the U.S. One is “Adam” and the other is “Eve.” They are each 12 feet high.
Perhaps by enthusiastic observers who are after good luck, Adam’s penis has been rubbed to the point that it is a different colour than the rest of the statue.
Read next: 8 New York City Highlights – A Must-See Two Day NYC Itinerary
menty
wow, this is such a pinning-mapping for great creation around the world!
Two Wild Wanderers
Wow! Some of these are absolutely hilarious. That one in Florence is beautiful though, so imposing and mythical-looking.
Nicholas
I remember how odd the baby seemed… the Bad Bad Boy has also moved to a different location from the one shown in the photo.
Rhonda Albom
It will make finding it that much more challenging.
Lyn @ aholeinmyshoe
This is a great post Rhonda, thanks for including our contribution too. This flutist was quite a surprise find on the coast in the south of France and certainly gave us a giggle, especially with all the people touching his little golden appendage.
Can’t wait to see the next in this series.
Rhonda Albom
I had a similar photo if Prague, same shiny bits. I opted to use yours 🙂
you.theworld.wandering
This is such a hilarious and light hearted post! Love it! Love the Bad Bad boy in Helsinki!
Kristie (you.theworld.wandering)
Pat
I’ve seen the statues in the building in Columbus Circle, NY, but they seem mild compared to some of the others! Italy has quite a few famous large nudes– David in the Accademia Gallery comes to mind.
Rhonda Albom
I almost included David, as we have seen it, but I decided to go for lesser unknown statues.
Kat
Well this is embarrassing. How can I call myself Aussie and yet not have known that Canberra was built on a sheep station? Think of all the missed opportunities for jokes. This is terrible 😉
Rhonda Albom
LOL – you are so funny. I think Australia will let you stay.
indah nuria
Look at all of those statues…so unique and some are funny 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I quite pleased with what was sent in for this post.
Carol
Some make me laugh and some make me cringe.
Rhonda Albom
I debated on sharing a few of them, but these are the ones that all made me smile.
Tracy
Great fun post I am now racking my brains thinking which statues I have seen that fit into the categories!!!
Rhonda Albom
Just send them through if you think of one.
Patrick Weseman
All of those are very cool. If I see any new ones around here, I will send it to you.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Patrick 🙂
Driller's Place
Some things are best left to the imagination. Just sayin’.
Rhonda Albom
Sorry. The next in the series will be interactive, and so far they are all dressed.
Amila Wickramarachchi
These are really amazing.Most of the statues could make me laugh.The sheep is really cool.I think it is time to visit Gardens by the Bay,because I’ve never seen that baby sculpture.Great collection of statues around the world!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Amila, and I agree, seeing that baby sculpture is almost worth another trip to Singapore.
stevebethere
LMAO some of these are hilarious especially the first one and the Roman Warrior’s protruding buttock cracked me up 🙂
Have a bumcheektastic week Ronda 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I knew you would enjoy this page.
Pete
I thought the statue of Neptune in Gothenburg might get a guernsey. Chuffed to see that “Ainslie’s Sheep” here in Canberra was included. I’ve seen the one at the Archibald Fountain in Sydney – a very much unclad fountain, including a naked but quite mannish Diana. And the chap on the Wellington waterfront, not too far from Te Papa, seems about to fall into the water.
The rest are strangers. Yet.
Rhonda Albom
Many of them are strangers to me as well, but I would love to see them all someday.
Handmade Jewelry Haven
I LOVED this post! We in America are such prudes compared to other parts of the world.
The naked human body is a work of art, fat or skinny, big or tall!
Thank you for sharing!
– Lisa
Rhonda Albom
Did you notice, one of these oversized naked statues is in New York.
Rhonda Albom
I hope interesting is good.
Lexa Cain
I love the sheep and the colossus and the one in Havana. I’m afraid the rest made me cringe. I guess I’m just an old fuddy-duddy…
Rhonda Albom
I am glad I included them. My initial thought was only humans when I requested oversized and undressed, but it was interpreted differently by other bloggers. I think it makes a nice collection now.
Lubuzine
Such an amazing article Rhonda. You really have put some grea shots here and made a great article. Keep it up
Rhonda Albom
thanks.
Faith Coates
As a plus sized woman I think it is wonderful to see lovely representations like the Boteros’ and I am a big fan of public artwork and believe every city should have sculptures like these and others. I like the fact that it gets people talking about art and seeing it in real life would be amazing.
Rhonda Albom
I agree, I always like to see “real” people depicted in art.
Corinne
Hilarious! My favorite is the breast feeding…so weird!
Rhonda Albom
That one really caught me by surprise.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – love the Prague ones … I’d really like to see those – mind you any I’d be happy to see in real life … great idea to put these together … cheers HIlary
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Hilary. We saw several funny statues in Prague, but we missed that big In Utero one. Maybe it wasn’t there yet.
Nano @ Travel With Nano B.
These are actually quie stunning! When it comes to oversized statues I’m particularly terrified by the huge spider which you might have seen in different locations around the world – Maman by Louise Bourgeoise.
Rhonda Albom
Huge spiders would terrify me, but I think I would be fine around huge spider statues.
Sarah @ 2paws Designs
What a hoot. That first one (Bad Bad Boy) had me laughing.
Rhonda Albom
It had me laughing too, that’s why I put it first.
Paula McInerney
Love all of these statues, and thanks for including us.
Rhonda Albom
I loved your contribution. I debated which of the posts it should go into. I decided this one was best as the sheep’s shirt is off and part of the statue.
Barbara Radisavljevic
I preferred the animals to the people, except for the floating baby, which I appreciated more than the underdressed adults. I also liked the Appennine Colossus.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Barbara. I found it an interesting mix in response to my request for oversized and undressed.
Stefanie
I really LOVE the floating baby – that is so cool! Great post- great topic choice 😉
Rhonda Albom
I love that floating baby too. If I get back to Singapore, I will make a point of finding it for myself.
Comedy Plus
I didn’t cry, cringe or laugh. I do wonder why many were so huge, as in fat. That I did wonder.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
Three are by the same artist, the ones in Cartegena, La Coruna, and New York.
Paul Pietrangelo
I totally enjoyed these oversized statues. I’m sorry to say that one of them looks like me and I’m not going to tell you Rhonda. Ha,ha,ha. I’ll give you a hint. I’m Italian. ha,ha,ha. I had to say that because they all made me laugh. Maybe do another photo about places with statues my friend.
Have a great day. See ya for now.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
LOL – you are very funny. And good news, this is the first of three statue posts.
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Somehow I have been to many of these places and totally missed these statues!
Rhonda Albom
I have been to Wellington and several times and walked the waterfront every time. And I never saw the one there. Was glad someone sent it to me.
L. Diane Wolfe
I’m stunned there’s any in America in a public place like that. We’re such prudes here. Underdressed doesn’t bother me although oversized isn’t pleasant to look at.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I was surprised by most of them. Even most of ones in which I took the shot, took me by surprise when I first saw them.