Hans Christian Andersen on the Bench

A quiet meeting with a master storyteller

Hans Christian Andersen on the Bench is a life-sized bronze sculpture of the beloved author, placed just outside a modern hotel complex in central Odense. Here, rather than standing on a pedestal, Andersen is seated comfortably, coat draped and hands resting, as if he has paused mid-stroll through his hometown. The bench is part of the artwork, and you are encouraged to share it with him, turning a simple sculpture into a gentle, everyday encounter with a literary giant. Unlike grand monuments framed by gardens or fountains, this piece lives in the flow of city life. People pass on their way to the concert hall, the casino, or nearby museums, while Andersen sits quietly observing, a reminder that his stories grew out of ordinary streets and conversations.

Jens Galschiøt’s living portrait

The sculpture is the work of Danish artist Jens Galschiøt, known for expressive figurative pieces that invite interaction rather than distant admiration. Here he portrays Andersen not as a remote national icon, but as a living, approachable figure you might strike up a conversation with. The pose is relaxed, yet the finely modelled face and hands capture a sense of alertness, as if the writer is still mentally sketching characters and scenes. The bronze surface, gently polished by countless visitors sitting beside him, tells its own story of touch and time. Details in the clothing, the folds of the coat and the lines around his eyes reward a closer look, especially if you walk around the piece rather than just posing in front of it.

Part of Odense’s fairy-tale trail

This bench is one of several Andersen-inspired sculptures scattered through Odense’s streets, parks and riverside paths. Together they form a loose open-air gallery celebrating scenes, symbols and characters from his tales. While other works may depict imaginary figures such as Thumbelina or the Steadfast Tin Soldier, this one simply presents the author himself, grounded in the city that shaped his early years. Positioned near the concert hall and close to other Andersen-related sights, the bench fits naturally into a broader circuit that might include his birthplace, the new museum and the cathedral quarter. It works well as a linking stop, a place to pause between more time-consuming visits.

Moments, photos and small details

Most visitors spend only a short time here, often long enough for a few photographs, a brief rest and a look at the sculpture from different angles. Yet the spot offers more than a quick snapshot. Sit down, face the same direction as Andersen and you will see the modern city unfolding ahead, a contrast to the 19th-century Odense he knew. Because the bench is at street level, it is easy to access and lends itself to playful compositions: couples sitting on either side of him, children chatting to the author, solo travellers sharing the seat at dawn or dusk. The simple backdrop of contemporary buildings places the sculpture firmly in today’s Odense while still echoing the timeless quality of his stories.

A small stop with strong local character

As a standalone sight, Andersen on the Bench is modest in scale and can be appreciated in minutes. Its charm lies in how naturally it sits within everyday urban life. Office workers pass with coffee in hand, hotel guests roll suitcases by, and cyclists cross the square while Andersen remains unhurried, always ready for another visitor. For anyone tracing the writer’s presence through the city, this sculpture adds a personal, almost conversational note. It invites you to slow down, imagine the storyteller at your side and perhaps recall a favourite fairy tale before you continue exploring Odense.