Sit beside Hans Christian Andersen

Unlike many traditional monuments, Hans Christian Andersen is not placed on a high pedestal. Instead, he sits on a bench with room for visitors to take a seat beside him. This makes the sculpture approachable and inviting, and it has become a popular photo stop for both locals and visitors.

The bronze figure portrays the author in his characteristic attire and with the thoughtful expression many associate with the famous storyteller. Located by the hotel entrance, the sculpture is easy to visit whether you are heading to H.C. Andersen's House, exploring the Fairy Tale Quarter or simply strolling through the city centre.

More than a single sculpture

Hans Christian Andersen on a Bench is actually just one part of a larger sculptural installation created by Jens Galschiøt. Around the hotel entrance, you will find three bronze pillars inspired by Andersen's fairy tales Clumsy Hans, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and The Little Mermaid.

Between the pillars stands an unusual bench with feet instead of legs. Together, the sculptures create a small fairy-tale universe in the heart of the city, where characters and stories from Andersen's works appear among the surrounding buildings and streets.

Jens Galschiøt and art in Odense

The artist behind the work, Jens Galschiøt, is one of Denmark's most prominent sculptors. Based in Odense for decades, he is internationally known for his monumental and often socially engaged works of art.

His sculptures can be found around the world, where they frequently draw attention to human rights, social issues and global challenges. At the same time, he has left a clear mark on Odense through a number of public artworks and artistic projects.

The sculptural installation at Comwell H.C. Andersen Odense presents a more playful side of his artistic practice. Here, figures and stories inspired by Andersen's fairy tales are brought to life in bronze in the city where the author was born.

Following the trail of fairy tale sculptures

Hans Christian Andersen on a Bench is just one of many sculptures in Odense inspired by the life and works of Hans Christian Andersen. Throughout the city's parks, streets and public spaces, you will find artworks that interpret both the author himself and some of his most beloved fairy tales.

If this sculpture sparks your curiosity, continue exploring Odense's many fairy tale sculptures. Here you will discover both classic interpretations of Andersen's stories and contemporary artworks that keep the fairy tales alive in the cityscape.

See also our guide to fairy tale sculptures in Odense if you would like to discover more artworks inspired by the life and fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen.