March 15, 2026 By travel

20 Famous Statues in the World: Iconic Masterpieces to Add to Your 2026 Travel Bucket List

A traveler’s guide to the most awe-inspiring sculptures and monuments across six continents

Introduction: Why Famous Statues Belong on Every Travel Bucket List

There is something profoundly moving about standing before a great statue. Whether you are gazing up at the Statue of Liberty from the shores of New York Harbor, feeling the spray of Guanabara Bay beneath Christ the Redeemer’s outstretched arms, or tracing the centuries-worn features of the Great Sphinx of Giza at sunset — these moments stay with you long after you have returned home.

Famous statues in the world are far more than oversized ornaments. They are monuments to human ambition, creativity, and belief — each one encoding the story of the civilization that created it. World famous sculptures like Michelangelo’s David remind us how Renaissance Italy saw beauty and intellect as divine gifts. The Moai of Easter Island whisper of a Polynesian culture whose spiritual depth we are still trying to understand. The Motherland Calls in Russia stands as a raw, visceral tribute to the millions who gave their lives in World War II.

For travelers, history enthusiasts, and art lovers alike, iconic statues are among the most rewarding landmarks on the planet. They are accessible, deeply storied, visually spectacular, and — crucially — they exist at the intersection of art, history, and national identity in a way that few other landmarks can match.

If you are building your 2026 travel bucket list, we have done the research for you. Here are 20 of the most famous statues in the world, spanning six continents, dozens of centuries, and every conceivable artistic tradition. Pack your bags.

1. Statue of Liberty — New York City, USA

Few images are as universally recognized as Lady Liberty raising her torch above New York Harbor. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineered by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States, dedicated on October 28, 1886.

Standing 93 meters (305 feet) tall from ground to torch tip, she remains one of the most iconic statues around the world and a global symbol of freedom and democracy. More than 4 million visitors make the ferry crossing to Liberty Island each year, and for good reason — stepping inside the statue’s pedestal or ascending to the crown offers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on New York City’s skyline.

Height: 93 m (including pedestal)
Built: 1886
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984
Pro tip: Book crown tickets months in advance — they sell out fast

2. Christ the Redeemer — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Perched atop the 700-meter Corcovado Mountain with arms stretched wide over Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is arguably the world’s most photographed statue. Completed in 1931 after nine years of construction, the art deco masterpiece was designed by sculptor Paul Landowski and stands 38 meters tall — 8 meters of which is its pedestal.

In 2007, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visiting at dusk, when the city below begins to sparkle with lights while the statue glows white above the clouds, is a travel experience that genuinely defies description.

Height: 38 m (statue) + 8 m pedestal
Built: 1922–1931
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

3. The Great Sphinx of Giza — Giza, Egypt

The Great Sphinx of Giza is the oldest and largest monolithic statue on Earth. Carved directly from limestone bedrock, this colossal lion-bodied figure with a human face is believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre and dates to approximately 2500 BCE — making it over 4,500 years old.

At 73 meters long and 20 meters high, the Sphinx has guarded the Giza plateau for millennia and continues to guard its secrets. Scholars still debate the precise date of its construction and what, if anything, lies in the chambers rumored to exist beneath it. Standing before it at sunrise — before the tourist crowds arrive — is to feel the full weight of history.

Height: 20 m | Length: 73 m
Estimated age: c. 2500 BCE
One of the oldest surviving statues in the world

4. David by Michelangelo — Florence, Italy

Widely regarded as the greatest sculpture ever created, Michelangelo’s David is a 5.17-meter marble masterpiece housed in Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia. Completed between 1501 and 1504 from a single block of Carrara marble, David depicts the Biblical hero in the tense moments before his confrontation with Goliath — every muscle, vein, and expression rendered with extraordinary precision.

What makes David truly astonishing is that Michelangelo was just 26 years old when he began the work. Today, it attracts over a million visitors annually and stands as the definitive expression of Renaissance humanism. For art lovers, no travel bucket list is complete without it.

Height: 5.17 m
Completed: 1504
Material: Single block of Carrara marble

5. Moai Statues — Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile

Easter Island, a remote Chilean territory in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, is home to nearly 1,000 monolithic stone figures called Moai, carved by the indigenous Rapa Nui people between roughly 1250 and 1500 CE. These brooding, heavy-browed figures — averaging 4 meters tall and 12.5 tons, though some reach 10 meters — were created to honor ancestors and channel their spiritual energy toward the living community.

How the Rapa Nui transported these enormous statues across volcanic terrain without modern machinery remains one of archaeology’s great mysteries. A visit to Easter Island is remote, expensive, and logistically demanding — but standing among the Moai at Ahu Tongariki as dawn breaks over the Pacific is profoundly, unforgettably moving.

Average height: 4 m | Tallest: 10 m
Built: c. 1250–1500 CE
UNESCO World Heritage Site

6. The Thinker — Paris, France

Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker (Le Penseur) is one of the most replicated sculptures in history, but the original — cast in 1902 and displayed at the Musée Rodin in Paris — remains uniquely powerful. Originally conceived as part of Rodin’s monumental Gates of Hell, The Thinker depicts a seated male figure in deep contemplation, embodying the tension between intellectual struggle and physical form.

The Musée Rodin, set in a beautiful 18th-century mansion with a sculpture garden, is one of Paris’s most pleasant museum experiences. The Thinker is accompanied by dozens of other Rodin masterworks, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves world famous sculptures.

Height: 1.89 m (original cast)
Cast: 1902
More than 28 authorized casts exist worldwide

7. Motherland Calls — Volgograd, Russia

The Motherland Calls (Rodina-Mat’ Zovyot) in Volgograd — formerly Stalingrad — is one of the tallest statues in the world and one of the most emotionally powerful. Designed by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich and completed in 1967, it commemorates the Battle of Stalingrad, one of World War II’s most catastrophic engagements, in which more than a million Soviet soldiers and civilians perished.

The figure of a woman mid-stride, sword raised, calling her children to defend the motherland, stands 85 meters tall and surveys the Volga River below. The Mamayev Kurgan memorial complex that surrounds it — with its eternal flame, Hall of Military Glory, and mass graves — is among the most solemn and significant travel experiences in Eastern Europe.

Height: 85 m (statue alone)
Completed: 1967
Stands on a hill containing the remains of over 34,000 soldiers

8. Spring Temple Buddha — Lushan County, China

The Spring Temple Buddha in Henan Province, China, is the tallest statue in the world, standing an almost incomprehensible 128 meters — or 153 meters including its lotus throne and base. Completed in 2008 after 11 years of construction, it depicts Vairocana Buddha and is visible from miles away across the rural Chinese landscape.

The statue required 1,000 craftspeople, 1,000 tonnes of copper alloy, and cost an estimated $55 million USD to complete. A cable car whisks visitors to the upper viewing platform, where the sheer scale of the work is staggering. For travelers interested in monumental religious art, it belongs firmly on the list.

Height: 128 m statue | 153 m total
Completed: 2008
Currently the tallest statue in the world

9. The Little Mermaid — Copenhagen, Denmark

She is tiny, weathered, and perpetually wistful — and she is one of the most visited statues in Europe. The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) has sat on a rock in Copenhagen Harbor since 1913, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale and commissioned by brewer Carl Jacobsen as a gift to the city. Sculptor Edvard Eriksen used his wife’s body and a ballerina’s face as the model.

At just 1.25 meters tall, she is famously smaller than visitors expect — but her quiet melancholy, the gentle curve of her bronze form against Copenhagen’s harbor backdrop, makes her utterly enchanting. She has been vandalized, decapitated, and stolen multiple times — always to be returned and restored.

Height: 1.25 m
Installed: 1913
One of Denmark’s most recognized cultural symbols

10. Ushiku Daibutsu — Ushiku, Japan

Located in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the tallest bronze statues in the world, standing 120 meters tall — including its 10-meter base and 10-meter lotus platform. Completed in 1993, it depicts Amitabha Buddha with his right hand raised in blessing and contains an interior elevator that carries visitors up to an observation deck at 85 meters for panoramic views of the Kanto Plain.

The surrounding grounds feature beautiful Japanese gardens and a deer park, making it a serene full-day destination. For travelers combining Tokyo with regional day trips, Ushiku Daibutsu is an unmissable detour.

Height: 120 m total
Completed: 1993
One of the world’s tallest bronze statues

11. Statue of Unity — Gujarat, India

The Statue of Unity in the Indian state of Gujarat is the world’s tallest statue overall, surpassing even the Spring Temple Buddha at a jaw-dropping 182 meters — nearly twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. Completed in 2018 and designed by sculptor Ram V. Sutar, it depicts Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the statesman who unified India’s 562 princely states after independence in 1947.

The statue incorporates observation decks at 153 meters offering sweeping views of the Narmada River valley and the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges. The surrounding Kevadia Valley has been developed into a major tourist destination, with a flower valley, jungle safari, and light-and-sound shows.

Height: 182 m
Completed: 2018
World’s tallest statue — taller than two Statues of Liberty stacked

12. Mount Nemrut Statues — Adıyaman Province, Turkey

Perched at 2,150 meters atop Mount Nemrut in southeastern Turkey, the colossal stone heads of King Antiochus I of Commagene are among the most surreal sights in the ancient world. Built around 62 BCE, the mountaintop sanctuary features rows of 8–9 meter seated statues of Greek and Persian gods — Zeus-Oromasdes, Apollo-Mithras, Tyche, and Heracles-Artagnes among them — alongside Antiochus himself.

Over millennia, earthquakes have toppled the heads from their thrones, and they now rest in scattered clusters on the mountainside, their serene, enormous faces staring placidly across the Taurus Mountains. Watching the sunrise from this extraordinary site — accompanied by the eerie silence of a 2,000-year-old sacred mountain — is one of Turkey’s most transcendent travel experiences.

Height: 8–9 m per statue
Built: c. 62 BCE
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987

13. African Renaissance Monument — Dakar, Senegal

The African Renaissance Monument (Monument de la Renaissance Africaine) in Dakar, Senegal, is the tallest statue in Africa at 49 meters, surpassing even the Statue of Liberty in height from base to apex. Completed in 2010 and designed by Senegalese architect Pierre Goudiaby, it depicts a man, woman, and child emerging from a volcano — symbolizing Africa’s emergence from centuries of slavery, colonialism, and poverty.

The monument is controversial among Senegalese citizens, many of whom objected to its $27 million cost and Islamic scholars who questioned the religious propriety of figurative sculpture. But as a statement of continental ambition and pride, it is undeniably bold — and the observation deck inside the man’s head offers spectacular views over Dakar and the Atlantic.

Height: 49 m
Completed: 2010
Tallest statue in Africa

14. Manneken Pis — Brussels, Belgium

No list of the world’s famous statues is complete without Manneken Pis — the beloved, wildly incongruous little bronze boy who has been urinating into a fountain in central Brussels since 1619. The original 61-centimeter figure by sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy has become one of Belgium’s most cherished symbols, and the city has accumulated over 1,000 costumes for the statue, which is officially dressed for festivals and national holidays throughout the year.

Several origin legends swirl around the statue — including a boy who saved the city by urinating on an enemy’s fuse — but most historians believe it was simply a decorative public fountain. Its outsized cultural footprint relative to its actual size makes it one of travel’s great delights.

Height: 61 cm
Installed: 1619 (original); current figure is a 1965 copy)
Over 1,000 costumes in the Manneken Pis Costume Museum

15. Buddha of Kamakura — Kamakura, Japan

The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) is a colossal bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha that has sat in calm meditation in the grounds of Kōtoku-in temple since the 13th century. Standing 13.35 meters tall, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan, and uniquely, it is outdoors — the wooden hall that originally enclosed it was destroyed by a tsunami and great storm in 1498, and it has remained open to the elements ever since.

Accessible by train from Tokyo (approximately one hour), Kamakura is a treasure trove of medieval temples, shrines, and coastal scenery. The Great Buddha, with its weathered patina and expression of absolute serenity, is the quiet heart of it all.

Height: 13.35 m
Built: 1252 CE
Originally cast in bronze — one of the largest in Japan

16. Leshan Giant Buddha — Sichuan, China

Carved directly into the living rock of a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers in Sichuan Province, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha in the world and one of China’s most extraordinary cultural treasures. Construction began in 713 CE and took 90 years to complete. The seated figure of Maitreya Buddha measures 71 meters from head to toe — his shoulders alone span 28 meters.

Legend holds that the monk Haitong commissioned the statue to calm the turbulent waters below, which were claiming the lives of local fishermen. Whether through divine intervention or the sheer volume of stone chips diverted into the river during construction, the hydraulics did apparently improve. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Leshan Giant Buddha rewards the journey to Sichuan richly.

Height: 71 m
Built: 713–803 CE
UNESCO World Heritage Site — largest stone Buddha on Earth

17. Michelangelo’s Moses — Rome, Italy

While less famous than David, Michelangelo’s Moses — the centerpiece of the tomb of Pope Julius II in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome — is widely regarded as one of the greatest sculptures ever created. Completed around 1513–1515, the marble figure depicts the Biblical lawgiver in a moment of barely contained fury — reportedly upon his descent from Sinai to find his people worshipping the golden calf.

The statue’s technical virtuosity is staggering: the flowing beard, the tensed muscles of Moses’s arms, the extraordinary life in his expression. Sigmund Freud wrote a famous essay on Moses, noting that the statue seemed on the verge of springing to life. Tucked away in a relatively modest church off Rome’s tourist trail, it is one of the city’s great hidden masterpieces.

Height: 2.35 m
Completed: c. 1513–1515
Located in San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome — free to enter

18. The Motherland Monument — Kyiv, Ukraine

The Motherland Monument (Rodina-Mat) in Kyiv, Ukraine, is a 62-meter stainless steel statue of a woman raising a sword and shield, situated atop the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. Completed in 1981 during the Soviet era, it forms the centerpiece of a vast war memorial complex on the banks of the Dnipro River.

The total height including the museum base reaches 102 meters, making it one of the tallest statues in Europe. Given Ukraine’s recent history, visiting this monument has taken on new layers of significance and emotion. The museum complex beneath it tells the story of Ukraine’s devastating wartime losses with extraordinary power.

Height: 62 m (statue) | 102 m total including base
Completed: 1981
Visible from across the Dnipro River

19. Pegasus and Dragon Statue — Las Vegas, USA

A departure from the ancient and classical, the Pegasus and Dragon statue at the Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas is a striking example of contemporary monumental sculpture — a 45-foot bronze depicting the mythological winged horse Pegasus rearing above a vanquished dragon. Created by sculptor Viggo Jarl, it has become one of Las Vegas Boulevard’s most distinctive landmarks.

It represents the growing tradition of world-class public art installations in Las Vegas, a city that has invested heavily in transforming its streetscape. For travelers who appreciate the full breadth of sculptural ambition — from ancient rock carvings to 21st-century bronze — it is a worthwhile stop on any Las Vegas itinerary.

Height: approximately 45 feet (13.7 m)
Located: Las Vegas Strip, Nevada, USA
A celebration of mythology in an unexpected setting

20. Statue of King Sejong — Seoul, South Korea

Sitting majestically in the heart of Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, the Statue of King Sejong the Great commemorates the 15th-century monarch widely regarded as the greatest king in Korean history. Sejong the Great ruled from 1418 to 1450 and is best remembered for creating Hangul, the Korean alphabet, which transformed literacy rates and formed the foundation of Korean cultural identity.

The imposing bronze statue, unveiled in 2009, depicts King Sejong seated on his throne, holding a document. Beneath the plaza, the Story of King Sejong exhibition brings his life and legacy to life with multimedia displays. With Gyeongbokgung Palace directly behind it and the mountains of Seoul as a backdrop, this is one of the most photographically rewarding spots in the South Korean capital.

Height: approximately 9.5 m
Unveiled: 2009
Located in Gwanghwamun Square, central Seoul

Travel Tips for Visiting Famous Statues Around the World

Best Time to Visit

Most outdoor statues are best visited in shoulder seasons — spring (April–June) or autumn (September–November) — when crowds are thinner, temperatures are comfortable, and the light for photography is superb. For statues in tropical climates (Christ the Redeemer, African Renaissance Monument), aim for the dry season. For the Moai of Easter Island, any time of year is beautiful, but Easter Island’s limited flight connections require advance planning.

Photography Tips

Golden hour (the hour after sunrise and before sunset) provides the most dramatic, flattering light for statue photography.
Arrive early — not only for better light, but to beat the tour groups that arrive mid-morning.
For huge statues (Statue of Unity, Spring Temple Buddha), use a wide-angle lens or step back to capture the full scale.
For detail-rich sculptures (David, Moses), a telephoto lens helps isolate the extraordinary craftsmanship.
Many famous statues look spectacular reflected in nearby water — the Leshan Giant Buddha and the Kamakura Daibutsu are good examples.

Cultural Respect

Many of the world’s most famous statues are active religious or memorial sites. At Buddhist temples (Ushiku Daibutsu, Leshan Giant Buddha, Kamakura), dress modestly and remove your shoes where required. At war memorials (Motherland Calls, Motherland Monument, Kyiv), maintain a respectful demeanor — these places represent immense human suffering.

At Easter Island, touching the Moai is strictly prohibited. The Rapa Nui people have fought for decades to protect their cultural heritage, and visitors are expected to honor that.

Guided Tours

For historically rich sites like Mount Nemrut, the Great Sphinx of Giza, and the Moai statues, a knowledgeable local guide transforms the experience from sightseeing into genuine understanding. Many sites now offer official audio guides as a more flexible alternative. For museum-based sculptures (David, The Thinker, Moses), consider booking a small-group art history tour — the context these provide is invaluable.

Local Attractions Nearby

Statue of Liberty: Combine with Ellis Island, Lower Manhattan, and the High Line.
Christ the Redeemer: Pair with a visit to Ipanema Beach and the Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Great Sphinx: The Giza Pyramids, Valley Temple, and Cairo Museum are all within reach.
David: Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Cathedral are world-class.
King Sejong Statue: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong market are all walkable.

Conclusion: Let the World’s Great Statues Lead Your 2026 Adventures

There is no better way to understand a civilization than to look it in the face — and the world’s great statues offer that opportunity in abundance. From the serene composure of the Leshan Giant Buddha to the raw grief encoded in Volgograd’s Motherland Calls; from the exquisite Renaissance perfection of Michelangelo’s David to the ancient mystery of Easter Island’s Moai — these are not merely famous landmarks to visit. They are windows into what it has meant to be human across four and a half thousand years of recorded history.

In 2026, as travel continues to flourish and global connections deepen, there has never been a better time to plan journeys around the world’s most iconic statues. Add them to your bucket list not just as photographic trophies, but as genuine encounters with art, history, and the stories of the people who built them.

The statues are waiting. So are the stories they tell.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most famous statue in the world?

The Statue of Liberty in New York, USA, is arguably the most globally recognized statue in the world, followed closely by Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both are icons of freedom and national identity recognized across every continent.

2. What is the tallest statue in the world in 2026?

The Statue of Unity in Gujarat, India, is the world’s tallest statue at 182 meters — nearly twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. It depicts Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the statesman who unified India after independence.

3. Which ancient statue is the oldest in the world?

The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt, dating to approximately 2500 BCE, is the oldest and largest monolithic statue in the world. Other contenders include ancient figurines like the Lion-man of the Hohlenstein-Stadel (c. 40,000 BCE), though these are miniature rather than monumental.

4. Which famous statue is considered the greatest artwork ever created?

Michelangelo’s David in Florence, Italy, is widely regarded by art historians as the greatest sculpture ever created — a 5.17-meter marble masterpiece depicting consummate technical virtuosity and humanistic vision. The Thinker by Auguste Rodin is another strong contender.

5. Are the Moai statues on Easter Island open to tourists?

Yes, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is open to tourists as part of Chilean territory, though visitor numbers are limited to protect the fragile archaeological sites. Visitors must not touch the Moai statues, and certain zones require permits. The best base is the town of Hanga Roa.

6. What is the best famous statue to visit in Asia?

Asia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular monumental statues. Top choices include the Leshan Giant Buddha in China (the world’s largest stone Buddha), the Ushiku Daibutsu in Japan, the Spring Temple Buddha in China (the world’s tallest statue), and the Statue of Unity in India.

7. How do I plan a trip around famous statues in Europe?

Europe offers a remarkable concentration of iconic statues within relatively compact geography. A well-planned itinerary might combine Michelangelo’s David and Moses in Italy, The Thinker in Paris, The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, and Manneken Pis in Brussels — all connected by Eurail or budget flights within a two-to-three-week trip.