He Statue by Elmgreen and Dragset
He, the striking sculpture by Elmgreen & Dragset on Elsinore’s waterfront, offers a contemporary counterpoint to the city’s deep historical landscape. Positioned directly across from Kronborg Castle, the artwork reimagines the classic Little Mermaid motif through a modern, thought‑provoking lens. Instead of a mermaid gazing longingly toward the sea, He depicts a young male figure seated on a stone, poised and self‑assured, looking outward with quiet confidence. Cast in polished stainless steel, the sculpture reflects its surroundings—the sky, the harbour, and the shifting light—creating a dynamic visual experience that changes throughout the day. The piece invites reflection on identity, vulnerability, and the expectations placed on traditional symbols. With its bold presence and subtle emotional depth, He has become a memorable landmark in Elsinore, blending contemporary art with the city’s maritime setting.
Elsinore DenmarkThe "He" statue (Han) by Elmgreen & Dragset is located at the end of the pier directly in front of Kulturværftet (The Culture Yard) at Allégade 2, 3000 Helsingør (Elsinore), Denmark, overlooking the Øresund Strait with Kronborg Castle visible just across the harbor. Unveiled in 2012, this striking 4-meter-tall polished stainless steel sculpture depicts a young man seated on a rock in the same pose as Copenhagen's Little Mermaid, serving as her contemporary "kid brother" and challenging traditional depictions of masculinity. The statue features a hydraulic mechanism that causes its eyes to blink briefly once every hour, often catching visitors by surprise. Directly nearby stands Kulturværftet, Elsinore's vibrant cultural hub hosting concerts, exhibitions, the city library, and the popular Spisehuset café with panoramic water views. Just steps away is the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, built into a former dry dock, while the iconic UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle, famous as Shakespeare's Hamlet setting, lies a pleasant 5-minute walk along the scenic harbor promenade. Within easy reach are the Shipyard Museum (entrance inside Kulturværftet's gate), the historic lightship Fyrskibet nr. XVII, the striking Dancer's Fountain, and murals from "The Wall Speaks" art project. The charming old town features St. Mary's Church and the Carmelite Monastery from the 1400s, St. Olaf's Cathedral, and Skibsklarerergaarden (the Ship Broker's House museum).
M/S Maritime Museum
Elsinore
Helsingør Bymuseum
Elsinore
Skibsklarerergaarden
Elsinore
Shipyard Museum
Elsinore
Kulturværftet
Elsinore
St. Olaf's Church
Elsinore
St. Mary's Church
Elsinore
Kronborg Castle
Elsinore
Marienlyst Castle
Elsinore
Øresund Aquarium
Elsinore
Danish Museum of Science and Technology
Elsinore