Denmark’s Most Hated Mermaid Finds New Home?

Edward Walgwe

December 8, 2025
6:33 pm

A controversial sculpture known as “The Big Mermaid” may soon find a new home in the Danish town of Lemvig after being rejected by Dragør, sparking a heated national debate about public art, taste, and tourism.

A New Home for a Controversial Sculpture

For more than seven years, a towering 13-ton granite mermaid has gazed out over the Øresund Strait from Dragør Fort on Amager Island near Copenhagen. Officially titled “The Big Mermaid,” the statue was removed after the Danish Heritage Agency decided last summer that it “did not fit in” at the historic location. Now, local business leaders from northwestern Jutland want to give the statue a second life in Lemvig.

The group of local entrepreneurs hopes to purchase the sculpture and donate it to the municipality. Their idea is to increase attention to Lemvig as a coastal destination and attract more visitors. If approved, it could even complement Denmark’s most iconic statue, The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, which has drawn tourists for over a century.

Critics Call It Low-Quality Art

Not everyone shares the enthusiasm. Lemvig’s Visual Arts Council strongly objects to the plan, arguing that “The Big Mermaid” does not qualify as serious public art. The sculpture, carved in China from granite and designed by Danish businessman Peter Bech, originally stood at Langelinie Pier in Copenhagen starting in 2006 before being moved to Dragør in 2018.

Art experts in Lemvig describe the statue as clumsy and poorly executed, saying it lacks artistic quality and depth. Some locals have also called it “ugly” or even “pornographic” because of its prominent chest, sparking wider debate on what kind of artwork belongs in public spaces.

Despite the criticism, supporters see it differently. They believe the statue’s boldness and controversy could help fuel tourism, generate publicity, and bring new energy to the area’s cultural scene.

Tourism and Local Identity

Mermaid imagery has long been tied to Danish identity, largely because of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale and the famous bronze statue on Copenhagen’s harborfront. Because of that, any new “mermaid” artwork in Denmark quickly invites comparison and strong public opinion.

Backers in Lemvig argue that even a polarizing piece like “The Big Mermaid” could become an attraction. They see it as a potential symbol connecting Lemvig’s maritime identity to the broader cultural narrative that includes The Little Mermaid.

Decision Looms in Lemvig

After months of closed-door discussions, Lemvig’s economic committee is meeting to decide whether to accept the gift. The matter has already divided citizens and politicians. Critics fear that bringing the statue to town would make Lemvig look like “a dumping ground” for unwanted art from other regions. They also point out that municipalities carry responsibility for maintaining high standards for cultural installations in public spaces.

Supporters counter that the project would cost the municipality nothing and could provide free publicity and tourism growth. With the local economy depending heavily on visitors and small businesses, some politicians see it as a smart move to attract attention.

If Lemvig agrees to accept the sculpture, a new location will need to be found along the waterfront or near the town’s harbor. There are already suggestions to use it as part of an outdoor art trail that could become a conversation starter for residents and tourists alike.

A Debate About More Than Art

The dispute over “The Big Mermaid” isn’t only about taste. It reflects broader questions about who decides what counts as public art, how small towns define their identity, and how Denmark balances cultural prestige with open artistic expression.

In the end, the decision in Lemvig will not just determine the fate of a single sculpture. It will also signal how Danish communities continue navigating the line between controversy, creativity, and civic pride.