Weird statues that exist around the world

Public statues are usually meant to honour heroes or celebrate history, but some take a far more unexpected turn. Around the world, you’ll find sculptures that are quirky, surreal, and sometimes downright bizarre, proving that public art can be as strange as it is fascinating.

Forever Marilyn (USA): This towering statue recreates Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress-blowing moment but at over 25 feet tall, it’s both eye catching and a bit overwhelming, sparking mixed reactions. (wikimedia commons)

Kelpies (Scotland): Standing 30 metres tall, these massive horse-head sculptures are inspired by mythical water spirits called kelpies. While impressive, their sheer scale and reflective steel design give them an almost otherworldly presence. (wikimedia commons)

Kindlifresserbrunnen (Switzerland): This medieval fountain features an ogre devouring a child, making it one of the creepiest statues in Europe. Its origins are unclear, adding to its eerie reputation. (wikimedia commons)

Les Voyageurs (France): These surreal sculptures show travellers with large parts of their bodies missing, leaving only fragments behind. Created by artist Bruno Catalano, they symbolise identity, loss, and the feeling of being incomplete while traveling. (facebook: NaTakallam)

Man at Work (Slovakia): This bronze figure shows a man casually peeking out of a sewer, as if taking a break from work. Locals call him “Čumil,” meaning “the watcher,” and he’s one of the city’s most photographed (and unusual) attractions. (wikimedia commons)

The Headington Shark (England): A giant shark appears to have crashed headfirst into a suburban house roof. Installed in 1986, it’s often interpreted as a protest against war and authority, though it mostly just leaves people puzzled. (wikimedia commons)