Denmark's Little Mermaid begins trip to China

Last Updated: Thursday, March 25, 2010 | 2:52 PM ET

CBC News

The Little Mermaid statue is moved from Copenhagen harbor on Thursday. (Bob Strong/Reuters)

Denmark's Little Mermaid statue, which has spent the last 96 years in Copenhagen harbour, is on her way to China.

The 1.5-metre-statue was lifted by crane from its usual perch Thursday to begin the trip to the World Expo in Shanghai, opening May 1.

The statue is to be a centrepiece of the Danish pavilion at the Shanghai Expo.

It is the first trip abroad for the bronze statue, created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen to honour the memory of fairytale chronicler Hans Christian Andersen.

The exact travel itinerary of the work is being kept secret for security reasons.

Hundreds of Danes attended a ceremony Thursday to say goodbye to the Little Mermaid, which was inspired by one of Andersen's best-loved tales.

Anne-Marie Henning, 92, said she would miss the statue.

"I have been coming here for years as I live in the neighbourhood," Henning said. "It will feel strange without her."

There is controversy over the decision to move the city's beloved statue. But Bo Bramsen, the Danish commissioner-general for Expo 2010, dismissed the idea of sending a replica.

"Why send a copy when you can send the real thing?"

A video installation by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei will replace the Little Mermaid until the statue returns in November. The multimedia artwork will include a live broadcast of the statue in Shanghai.

Stay Connected with CBC News

Big Box Advertisement

Jedward on the MMVA red carpet by Laura Thompson Jun. 17, 2013 12:48 PM Cheerful pop duo Jedward had much to say to CBC News on the red carpet Sunday night at the Much Music Video Awards in Toronto. A lot of their excitement came from seeing Avril Lavigne, complete with spiky hairband. Check out the Irish twins in this video clip.

Top News Headlines

Sopranos star James Gandolfini dies in Italy

Sopranos star James Gandolfini dies in Italy: James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a brutal, emotionally delicate mob boss in HBO's 'The Sopranos' helped create one of TV's greatest drama series and turned the mobster stereotype on its head, died Wednesday in Italy. He was 51. more »

Obesity now recognized as a disease: The American Medical Association has voted to recognize obesity as a disease, while doctors in Canada say they also treat it as such. more »
B.C. First Nation sets fires to save bison: A First Nation band is reviving the age-old practice of controlled burning in order to improve the health of forests and restore the population of the wood bison in a corner of northeastern B.C. more »
1 in 8 bird species threatened with extinction: One in eight bird species worldwide faces the threat of extinction, according to a report released by Birdlife International. more »
Canada buys rare War of 1812 collection for $573K: The government of Canada was the winning bidder for a large collection of letters, maps and other papers that once belonged to Sir John Sherbrooke, the lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia who conquered Maine for the British during the War of 1812. The collection sold for $573,000 at auction in London. more »

Must Watch

Latest Arts & Entertainment News Headlines

Sopranos star James Gandolfini dies in Italy: James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a brutal, emotionally delicate mob boss in HBO's 'The Sopranos' helped create one of TV's greatest drama series and turned the mobster stereotype on its head, died Wednesday in Italy. He was 51. more »

Monsters University's Billy Crystal, Dave Foley: Pixar returns to the story of animated duo Mike and Sulley in this summer's Monsters University, with Billy Crystal and Dave Foley among the notable cast of actors lending their voices to the kids' film. more »
Guillermo del Toro calls Pacific Rim a family movie: Director Guillermo del Toro' monsters vs. machines movie Pacific Rim is a summer spectacle that sets out to be different from other movies of its kind. more »
Laval's corrupt image scares off choral festival sponsors: The founder and driving force behind Laval, Que.'s annual international choral festival says allegations of corruption at Laval city hall have driven away some of the festival's sponsors. more »
Dolce and Gabbana convicted of tax evasion: A Milan court has convicted fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana of tax evasion, finding the pair guilty of failing to declare €1 billion ($1.37 billion Cdn) in income to authorities. more »

More Headlines »

Q Blog

Guillermo Del Toro's Monsters Jun. 19, 2013 1:47 PM The award winning director stops by Studio Q to chat about his upcoming blockbuster Pacific Rim.

CBC Books

This summer's must-read mysteries Jun. 19, 2013 6:02 PM If you like a good thriller or whodunit to read while basking in the sun, then this roundup of books is for you!