The Talking Statues project offers a magical blend of history, art, and modern technology. Originating in Copenhagen, this unique initiative has traveled across cities, turning ordinary city walks into engaging encounters with historical figures. People no longer need to wonder who the statue represents—now, the statue tells its own story.
Origin and Concept
Idea Born in Copenhagen: Talking Statues began in 2013 in Copenhagen. David Peter Fox, a documentary filmmaker, got the idea while walking through the King’s Garden with his children.
From Films to Voices: The original idea was to create short films about the statues. However, Fox realized it would be more engaging if the statues could speak for themselves.
First Statue: Hans Christian Andersen was the first statue to speak in the King’s Garden. The launch was a major success.
Key Contributors and Partners
Contributor/Partner
Role/Contribution
David Peter Fox
Founder and originator of the concept
Bertha Media
Production company behind the initial Copenhagen project
NYVC Parks
Partner in launching the project in New York in 2016
Talking Statues Association
Key organizational partner in New York
Danish Embassy in New York
Supporter of the New York expansion
Maiken
Recognized for special contributions in New York
David M. Fox
Honored for his support in New York’s statue additions
New York Expansion
Launch in 2016: Talking Statues entered New York in collaboration with NYVC Parks and the Talking Statues Association.
Statute Coverage: Today, more than 40 statutes across all four boroughs of New York tell their stories through the app.
Recent Additions: Monumental Women in Central Park and a partnership with the National Park Service mark the latest milestones.
Downloadable App: The app allows users to scan QR codes and listen to the statue’s monologue. It’s now the main method of interaction, replacing the earlier video animations.
Cities Participating in the Project
City
Special Feature
Copenhagen
Original location; includes Hans Christian Andersen’s statue
Helsinki
Offers cultural figures with Finnish heritage
London
Hosts statues of authors, politicians, and historical figures
Chicago
Features diverse American icons in public spaces
San Diego
Known for incorporating educational elements
Berlin
Focuses on philosophers and scientists
New York
Includes 40+ statues, from Central Park to Ellis Island
Statue Design and Content Creation
Monologue Writing: Scriptwriters create 2–3-minute-long monologues based on thorough historical research. Each statue gets a voice that reflects its personality and era.
Voice Actors: Professional actors record the monologues in sound studios to bring the figures to life authentically.
QR Code Technology: Statues have signs with QR codes. When scanned, users are taken directly to the audio story.
Statue Tone and Humor: Humor plays a key role. The content often includes fun facts, jokes, and unexpected perspectives.
Challenges and Refinements
Balancing Humor and Respect: A failed attempt at humor with Søren Kierkegaard’s statue taught the team the importance of tone. In that version, Kierkegaard asked people not to post his picture on Facebook—a joke that didn’t resonate well.
Audience Connection: Statues must be relatable to today’s audiences. Writers think carefully about whether to include past, present, or even future references in each monologue.
Editing Process: Once the script is finalized, it undergoes editing for clarity, accuracy, and emotional appeal before being recorded.
Technical Evolution
Feature
2013
Now
Interaction Mode
Video animation with sound
Audio monologues only
Technology Used
Customized animations and physical signs
QR codes and mobile app
Statue Count
1 (Hans Christian Andersen)
Over 40 in New York alone
Geographical Spread
Copenhagen only
Multiple global cities across Europe and the US
Public Engagement and Educational Value
For Tourists and Locals: Talking Statues offers cultural enrichment during city walks, making historical education accessible and enjoyable.
For Schools and Families: The project encourages children to learn history through storytelling during casual outings.
For Researchers and writers, the monologues serve as concise biographies, offering new perspectives on historical narratives.
App Features
App Function
Description
Statue Locator
Shows the exact location of all talking statues on a map
Audio Playback
Plays the voice of the statue instantly after QR scan
Language Options
May include multiple languages depending on the city
Offline Access
Some features work without an active internet connection
Regular Updates
New statues and voices are added periodically
Looking to the Future
Global Growth: Talking Statues continues to expand into more cities. Cultural organizations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas have shown interest.
Improved User Experience: Plans include adding multilingual support and augmented reality (AR) features in future updates.
Community Involvement: Local historians and communities are invited to contribute to new monologues and stories.
Future Implications
Talking Statues has redefined how people engage with history in public spaces. Through carefully crafted stories, expert voice acting, and smart use of mobile technology, statues once seen as silent stone now become storytellers. The project not only honors cultural heritage but also breathes new life into it. Walking past a statue has never been more meaningful.
