TALKING STATUES

About

This innovative initiative was born in 2013, thanks to the vision of Copenhagen-based documentary filmmaker, David Peter Fox. Inspired by Jens Peters Munk’s book, “Sculptures in Copenhagen,” Fox sought to breathe life into the silent figures that grace our public spaces, offering them a voice and a story to share with all of us.The concept is both simple and groundbreaking. By scanning a QR code located at each statue, passersby are transported into the past, hearing the tales and histories of the figures immortalized in bronze and stone. This project began with a humble yet enchanting start — the statue of the beloved fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen, situated in the King’s Garden of Copenhagen. This inaugural talking statue was an instant success, captivating audiences and reigniting a sense of curiosity and wonder about the stories etched into our urban landscapes.Soon, what started in the charming streets of Copenhagen spread its wings, reaching cities across the globe. From the bustling streets of New York and Chicago to the historic avenues of London and Berlin, and even the sunlit parks of San Diego and Helsinki, Talking Statues have found a home. Each city embraces this concept, adding its unique cultural flavor to the narratives of its statues.The initial project was generously funded by the City of Copenhagen and brought to life through the creative collaboration of film director Carsten Rudolf and David Peter Fox. The monologues, spoken by the talented actor Jens Jacob Tychsen, weave rich tapestries of history, offering us glimpses into the past and the figures who helped shape our world.Talking Statues is not just about storytelling; it’s about connecting us to our heritage, celebrating our shared histories, and bringing communities together through the power of narrative. It reminds us that art is not static but a living, breathing entity that continues to inspire and educate.

The project Talking statues, which started in Copenhagen today gives the opportunity to some of the most prestigious cultural figures from Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, and Chicago a chance to tell their own history to the passersby. With the new modern mobile technique, there is a completely unique opportunity for a new form of dissemination of our heritage in urban space through spectacular live demonstrations around the world: The statues come alive and tell their own stories with accurate human voice. In other words, Copenhagen statues and statues around the world are engaged in the new fantasy of the 21st-century mind and imagination, namely, to make possible the impossible through the latest technology!

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