I Am Queen Mary
A defiant monument honoring Caribbean resistance to Danish colonialism, challenging Europe's colonial narratives.
A powerful public monument at Vestindisk Pakhus commemorating Mary Thomas, a leader of the 1878 rebellion against Danish colonial rule in the Caribbean. Created by artists La Vaughn Belle and Jeannette Ehlers, this sculpture stands in front of a historic 18th-century warehouse that once stored goods from Denmark's colonial empire. The work challenges Denmark's narrative of benevolent colonialism and honors the resistance of enslaved and formerly enslaved people in the Danish West Indies.
A brief summary to I am Queen Mary
- Vestindisk Pakhus, Toldbodgade 40, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1253, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the sculpture's details and read the accompanying information plaques that contextualize Mary Thomas's life and the 1878 rebellion.
- Explore the surrounding harbor area, including the nearby Royal Cast Collection inside Vestindisk Pakhus, to understand the layered colonial and cultural histories of this waterfront district.
- Consider visiting on March 31 (Transfer Day) when commemorative events and discussions about Denmark's colonial legacy often take place in Copenhagen.
- Pair your visit with research into the broader history of the Danish West Indies and the experiences of enslaved and formerly enslaved people to deepen your understanding of the monument's significance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Metro and Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro Line M1 or M2 to Kongens Nytorv station (approximately 10–15 minutes from central Copenhagen depending on your starting point). Exit and walk northeast toward the harbor for approximately 8–10 minutes, following signs toward Larsens Plads and the waterfront. The sculpture is located at Vestindisk Pakhus on Toldbodgade 40, directly on the harbor promenade. The walk is flat and accessible, passing through the historic Nyhavn district.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes this an ideal destination by bike. From most central locations, the journey takes 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point. Follow the harbor-side cycle paths toward Larsens Plads. Bike parking is available near Vestindisk Pakhus and throughout the harbor area. This is a popular route for both locals and visitors.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the harbor area, including routes 1A, 15, and 26, which stop near Kongens Nytorv or the harbor district. Journey times range from 15–25 minutes depending on your starting location and traffic conditions. Buses run frequently throughout the day. The nearest stops are within a 5-minute walk of the sculpture.
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Walking from Nyhavn
If you are already in the Nyhavn area, the sculpture is approximately a 10-minute walk northeast along the harbor promenade. Follow the waterfront path, passing the Royal Opera House on your right. The route is scenic, flat, and clearly signposted. This walk offers views of the harbor and historic warehouses along the way.
I am Queen Mary location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about I am Queen Mary
A Monument to Resistance and Reclaimed History
I Am Queen Mary stands as Denmark's first public monument dedicated to those who resisted Danish colonialism. Unveiled on March 31, 2019—Transfer Day, marking the anniversary of Denmark's sale of the Danish West Indies to the United States in 1917—this sculpture represents a watershed moment in how Copenhagen acknowledges its colonial past. Created by American artist La Vaughn Belle and Danish artist Jeannette Ehlers, the work honors Mary Thomas, one of four women who led the 1878 rebellion of plantation workers on the island of St. Croix. In the Caribbean context, "queen" was an honorary title bestowed on the formidable women who led social and political life on the plantations, and Mary Thomas earned this distinction through her courage and leadership.The Story of Mary Thomas and the 1878 Rebellion
Mary Leticia Thomas emerged as a pivotal figure in the struggle for dignity and freedom in the Danish West Indies. In 1878, decades after the formal abolition of slavery in 1848, conditions on the plantations remained brutal and exploitative. The rebellion she helped lead, known as the Fireburn, devastated the colonial economy—half of Frederiksted burned, and numerous plantations were destroyed. The Danish authorities responded with ruthless suppression, imprisoning the four female leaders. Mary Thomas and her co-leaders were sent to a women's prison in Copenhagen, where they remained until 1887, when they were transferred back to St. Croix to serve the remainder of their life sentences. Their sacrifice and defiance became legendary in the Caribbean, yet remained largely unknown in Denmark until this monument's creation.Confronting Denmark's Colonial Legacy
The placement of this sculpture directly in front of Vestindisk Pakhus—a warehouse built between 1781 and 1783 to store goods from Denmark's colonial enterprises—is deliberately confrontational. The building itself is a tangible reminder of the wealth Denmark accumulated through the triangular trade: exporting firearms and manufactured goods to Africa, transporting enslaved Africans to Caribbean plantations, and importing sugar, rum, and other colonial products back to Denmark. By positioning the monument here, the artists force viewers to reckon with the spatial and economic realities of colonialism. The warehouse now houses the Royal Cast Collection, a repository of plaster casts of classical sculptures, yet its colonial history cannot be erased or ignored.Artistic Vision and Decolonial Practice
Jeannette Ehlers, a Danish artist of Afro-Caribbean descent, has been instrumental in interrogating Denmark's relationship with its colonial past through art and activism. Her collaboration with La Vaughn Belle on I Am Queen Mary represents a decolonial practice—one that centers the voices, struggles, and dignity of those harmed by colonialism rather than perpetuating the dominant European narrative. The sculpture underwent restoration before its 2019 installation to withstand Danish climate conditions, ensuring its permanence as a public challenge to historical amnesia. The work has reignited debates throughout Denmark about whether the nation should formally apologize to its former colonies and reckon more honestly with how colonial wealth shaped modern Danish society.A Contested Space of Memory
The monument exists in productive tension with its surroundings. Vestindisk Pakhus remains a working cultural institution, housing both the Royal Cast Collection and serving as a venue for exhibitions and events. The harbor area itself has transformed from a center of colonial commerce to a public gathering space, yet the warehouse's original purpose cannot be forgotten. The sculpture invites passersby to pause and reflect on the human cost of the systems that built Copenhagen's prosperity. In the US Virgin Islands—the former Danish West Indies—the story of Mary Thomas and the 1878 rebellion is celebrated as a foundational moment of resistance, yet in Denmark, this history was largely suppressed until recent years.Engaging with Difficult Histories
I Am Queen Mary represents a shift toward more honest public commemoration. Rather than celebrating colonial administrators or merchants, it honors those who fought against exploitation and oppression. The monument acknowledges that freedom was not granted benevolently but seized through struggle, sacrifice, and rebellion. For visitors, the sculpture serves as an entry point into conversations about how nations reckon with uncomfortable histories, how power operates across geography and time, and how art can serve as a tool for historical justice and collective memory.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
I am Queen Mary
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A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Larsens Pl.
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Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Horn mine
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Our Fallen
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Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
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Hans Christian Andersen plaque
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Nyholm Central Guardhouse
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Sankt Annæ Pl.
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Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
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St. Paul's Church
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The Little Mermaid
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Bredgade 18
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Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
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Nyhavn
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Copenhagen's iconic 17th-century harbor where colorful townhouses, maritime history, and vibrant waterfront culture converge.
Maritime Monument
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Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Amaliegade
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A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Designmuseum Danmark
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St Alban's Church
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Amaliehaven
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Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
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Gefion Fountain
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Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
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Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Medicinsk Museion
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Rytterstatuen
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Amalienborg
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ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
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Amalienborg Palace Museum
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Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
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Copenhagen Opera House
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Kongeskibet Dannebrog
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Essential places to dine
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.
Khun Juk
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Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Kokkeriet
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Skipperkroen
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Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Restaurant Vita
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Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Cap Horn
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Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Restaurant Koefoed
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Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Nyhavns Færgekro
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Den Lille Fede
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Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Noma
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Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
La Banchina
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Goldfinch
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Restaurant Barr
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Bistro Royal
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
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Royal Souvenir Shop
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Maritime Antiques &
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Copenhagenglass
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Zane
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The Wilde Shop
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A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
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Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & 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.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
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Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
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Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
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Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Storm - design art fashion
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.2 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Urban Outfitters
1.3 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
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Aloha Beach Bar
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Brønnum
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Bar Deco
1.0 km
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TATA Cocktail Bar
1.1 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balthazar
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A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
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Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Trykbar
1.2 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
The Moose
1.2 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
1.3 km
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Bo-Bi Bar
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
1.4 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Eiffel bar
1.4 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
K-Bar
1.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
1.4 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Scenic
- Thought-provoking
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Art & Design
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
