The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
A darkly playful harbourfront sculpture that twists Copenhagen’s fairytale mermaid into a sharp, bronze critique of genetics, icons and postmodern life.
Tucked along Copenhagen’s Langelinie waterfront, The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid is the most eye‑catching figure in Bjørn Nørgaard’s provocative sculpture ensemble, “The Genetically Modified Paradise.” Cast in bronze and perched on her own tiny island in the harbour basin near Dahlerups Pakhus, this twisted, elongated mermaid both echoes and subverts the city’s iconic Little Mermaid, turning a familiar fairy-tale symbol into a sharp commentary on genetic engineering, consumer culture and postmodern life.
A brief summary to The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
- Langelinie Allé 17, Copenhagen Municipality, København Ø, 2100, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Combine this stop with the classic Little Mermaid; the two statues are roughly a 10-minute walk apart and seeing both sharpens the contrast and intent of Nørgaard’s work.
- Walk around the whole Genetically Modified Paradise ensemble by Dahlerups Pakhus before focusing on the mermaid; the surrounding figures help decode many of the themes.
- Visit in the early morning or late evening for softer light on the bronze surfaces and calmer harbour views, ideal for photography and quiet contemplation.
- The harbourfront can be breezy even in summer; bring an extra layer if you plan to linger by the water studying the sculptures.
- If you travel with children or sensitive visitors, be aware that some figures appear deliberately grotesque; framing them as imaginative, thought-provoking art can help.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and walk
From central Copenhagen, take the metro (M3 Cityringen or M4) to Østerport Station, a major stop on both lines. The ride from Nørreport takes about 3–5 minutes, with frequent departures and normal city ticket prices in the range of 20–30 DKK one way. From Østerport it is roughly a 15–20 minute level walk through the Østerbro waterfront to Langelinie Allé 17, mostly on paved paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs in good weather.
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Local bus and short stroll
Several city bus routes serve the area around Østerport and Nordre Toldbod, from where it is typically a 10–15 minute walk to the sculpture along the harbour promenade. Travel time from the inner city is around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic, and a single bus ticket usually costs about 20–30 DKK. Buses can be crowded at peak commuting hours, and some services run less frequently in the late evening and on weekends.
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Bicycle along the harbourfront
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle paths make it easy to reach Langelinie Allé 17 by bike from most central neighbourhoods in 10–20 minutes. City bikes and private rentals commonly cost around 75–150 DKK for a day, with cheaper options for short-term use. The route is mostly flat and separated from car traffic, but can be busy with other cyclists and pedestrians, especially on sunny days and during cruise-ship arrivals.
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Harbour boat or canal tour
Seasonal harbour boats and canal tours often pass close to both the classic Little Mermaid and the Genetically Modified Little Mermaid, providing good views from the water. Tours from central quays typically last 1–2 hours and cost roughly 100–150 DKK per adult, with reduced fares for children. Boats operate mainly in the warmer months and can be curtailed in high winds or poor weather, so it is wise to check current schedules locally.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
A twisted sister to Copenhagen’s beloved mermaid
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid sits just off the quay at Langelinie Allé, close enough to her famous older “sister” to invite comparison yet different enough to feel almost unsettling. Cast in bronze and posed on a rock in the water, she mirrors the attitude of the classic Little Mermaid while her body tells a very different story: limbs stretched and skeletal, tail distorted, head abstracted into an almost mask-like form. From the edge of the basin you see how deliberately she breaks with the soft, romantic lines of the original statue. Here, the mermaid is no longer a tragic dreamer but a symbol of bodies reshaped by science, technology and culture. The surrounding harbour – cruise ships, modern offices, historic warehouses – provides an apt backdrop for this interrogation of what progress really looks like.The Genetically Modified Paradise around her
Although many visitors come looking only for the mermaid, she is in fact one figure in a larger installation, “The Genetically Modified Paradise,” created by Danish artist and professor Bjørn Nørgaard. Arranged around a large granite square and a broad fountain by Dahlerups Pakhus, the group centres on a massive triumphal arch crowned by a towering, genetically altered Madonna. Around this arch stand sharply reimagined figures from Western iconography: Adam, Eve, Christ, Maria Magdalena, The Tripartite Capital and a Pregnant Man. Their exaggerated forms and surreal details nudge you to think about power, faith, gender and capitalism in an age where almost everything – from crops to identities – can be modified. The Little Mermaid’s island out in the basin extends that conversation from the square into the water.Expo origins and harbourfront home
Nørgaard originally created these sculptures for the Danish pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hanover, where they were presented as a reflection on “Mankind, Nature and Technology.” After the world’s fair, the group found a permanent home here in Copenhagen’s harbour, on a newly laid granite square beside the historic brick warehouses of Dahlerups Pakhus. The setting matters. Old industrial harbour architecture, cruise quays and promenades now filled with joggers, commuters and visitors all frame the artwork in a landscape of constant reinvention. Standing here you can sense how the piece belongs to a broader story of Copenhagen’s transformation from working port to waterfront playground.Reading the symbolism in bronze and water
Part of the fascination lies in deciphering what you see. The mermaid’s mutated form points to genetic engineering and the ways bodies can be designed, sold and judged. Her proximity to the classic Little Mermaid underlines how easily icons can be repurposed, whether by tourism or advertising. Other figures in the group tackle different anxieties: a pregnant male body challenges fixed ideas of gender, while the Tripartite Capital hints at intertwined economic and political powers. Despite these heavy themes, the tone retains a streak of dark humour. Details verge on the grotesque without losing a certain playfulness, inviting you to shift between amusement and unease. It is this ambivalence that keeps the sculptures engaging long after the initial surprise of their appearance fades.Experiencing the harbour installation today
Visiting the Genetically Modified Mermaid is a markedly calmer experience than jostling for a photo at the original statue nearby. Here you can linger on the quay, circle the dry or water-filled fountain, and take time to walk around each bronze figure without feeling rushed. The flat, open plaza, stretches of water and low hum of passing harbour traffic create a spacious, slightly detached atmosphere that suits slow looking. Bring a curious eye rather than a checklist mentality. Whether you see the work as critique, satire or simply an odd curiosity, it offers a distinctly contemporary counterpoint to Copenhagen’s more traditional monuments – and a reminder that even the city’s most cherished symbols can be questioned, remixed and made strange again.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Maritime Monument
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Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
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Our Fallen
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Horn mine
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Nyholm Central Guardhouse
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I am Queen Mary
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St. Paul's Church
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Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Larsens Pl.
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Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Frederik's Church
1.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
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Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
Amalienborg Palace
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Rytterstatuen
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Copenhagen Opera House
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Hans Christian Andersen plaque
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The Tower Playground
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Award-winning Copenhagen playground where kids explore & climb miniature city towers; centrally located in Fælledparken with family-friendly facilities.
Unmissable attractions to see
Segway Cruise Copenhagen
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Langelinie
0.1 km
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Inugsuk
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The Little Mermaid
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Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
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Reffen - Skøjteøen
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Langelinie Pavillonen
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Kastellet
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Langelinieparken
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Langelinie Park
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ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
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Gefion Fountain
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Kongeskibet Dannebrog
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St Alban's Church
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Den Frie Udstilling
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Essential places to dine
Veve
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Sushi Anaba
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Alchemist
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Restaurant Silo
1.1 km
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Dag H
1.2 km
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Hos Fischer
1.2 km
Experience authentic Italian trattoria dining and neighborhood hospitality at Hos Fischer, a beloved Østerbro culinary gem near the tranquil green heart of Copenhagen.
La Banchina
1.3 km
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Kokkeriet
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Restaurant Madklubben Østerbro
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Geranium
1.8 km
Geranium offers a world-class New Nordic tasting experience in Copenhagen, uniting innovative Scandinavian cuisine, sustainable luxury, and panoramic city views.
Aoc
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Restaurant Rebel
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Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Tèrra
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Noma
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Restaurant Koefoed
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Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
1.1 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
The Crown souvenir
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Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
1.7 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
The Wilde Shop
2.0 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Maritime Antiques &
2.0 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Zane
2.0 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagenglass
2.1 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
2.1 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Storm - design art fashion
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Viking Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Norse Projects
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Chevy's
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Østerbros Perle Pub
1.2 km
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ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.3 km
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ØB
1.3 km
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Trianglen 7
1.4 km
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Black Swan
1.5 km
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Tap10
1.5 km
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Bubbles Bar
1.5 km
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Søernes Ølbar
1.5 km
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Kompasset Ølbar
1.9 km
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Aloha Beach Bar
2.1 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Gotland - Café & Vinbar
2.1 km
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Trykbar
2.1 km
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Bar Deco
2.1 km
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Brønnum
2.2 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
1.6 km
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Mini Bar
2.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
2.2 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
2.2 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mirage
2.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
2.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
RUST Natklub
2.6 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Operaen
2.7 km
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Chateau Motel
2.7 km
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Hive
2.7 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
2.8 km
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Mirror
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La Terraza
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Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
SIGURD CPH
2.8 km
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Miami Bar
2.8 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
