Oceania

A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.

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Oceania

A striking bronze sculpture of the sea goddess Oceania reclines on Flakhaven, Odense's central square. Created by Danish artist Svend Wiig Hansen and installed in 1992, this provocative work features a classical face, seal-flipper feet, and a muscular form that has sparked both admiration and debate among locals and visitors. Children delight in using the sculpture as a climbing and sliding structure, while its bold, unapologetic presence makes it one of Odense's most talked-about artworks.

A brief summary to Oceania

Flakhaven, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
Visit website
Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best photography light and fewer crowds. The sculpture's muscular form and classical features are particularly striking when illuminated by low-angle sunlight.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions: Odense Cathedral and City Hall are immediately adjacent, and the sculpture sits within easy walking distance of H.C. Andersen House and other cultural sites.
Observe how different visitors interact with the sculpture—children treat it as a playground, adults debate its artistic merit, and photographers seek the perfect angle. This varied engagement is part of what makes Oceania culturally significant.
The sculpture is accessible 24/7 as a public artwork in an open square. There are no restricted viewing times, making it ideal for spontaneous visits or late-evening walks through the city center.

Getting There

Walking from Odense Train Station

From Odense Central Station, walk northwest through the city center toward Flakhaven. The journey takes approximately 12–15 minutes on foot. Follow Jernbanegade toward the historic center, then continue into the pedestrian shopping district. Flakhaven is clearly signposted and located directly in front of City Hall. The route is flat, well-lit, and passes through the main commercial and cultural areas of Odense.
Cycling from Central Odense

Odense is highly bicycle-friendly with extensive cycle paths throughout the city. From most central locations, Flakhaven is 1–3 kilometers away and reachable by bike in 5–10 minutes. Bike rental is available at numerous locations around the city, typically costing 50–100 DKK per day. Secure parking for bicycles is available on and around Flakhaven.
Local Bus Service

Several local bus routes serve the central Odense area and stop near Flakhaven. Journey times from outlying neighborhoods range from 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point. Single tickets cost approximately 24 DKK for adults. Bus stops are clearly marked, and real-time information is available via the Midttrafik app or at bus shelters.
Parking by Car

Multiple paid parking facilities are located near Flakhaven, including underground and surface car parks. Parking typically costs 20–40 DKK per hour, with daily rates around 150–250 DKK. The closest parking is within 50–200 meters of the sculpture. Street parking is limited and subject to time restrictions; paid car parks are more reliable for longer visits.

Oceania location weather suitability

Any Weather

Discover more about Oceania

A Controversial Icon of Modern Danish Sculpture

Oceania stands as one of Odense's most debated and discussed artworks since its installation in June 1992. This monumental bronze sculpture depicts the sea goddess in a reclining pose, rendered with anatomical boldness and classical refinement. The figure combines mythological grandeur with contemporary artistic vision, featuring a serene classical face, distinctive seal-flipper feet, and a powerfully sculpted form that commands attention on Flakhaven, the city's main square adjacent to City Hall and Odense Cathedral. The sculpture was gifted to Odense by The Odense City Art Foundation and Asea Brown Boveri A/S, representing a significant investment in public art. Its arrival sparked immediate and enduring conversation—some residents and visitors celebrate it as a masterwork of modern sculpture, while others find its naked, unapologetic presentation provocative or aesthetically challenging. This polarized reception has become part of the sculpture's cultural significance, making it far more than a simple public artwork.

The Artist Behind the Vision

Svend Wiig Hansen (1922–1997) was a central figure in post-war Danish art and a graduate of the Copenhagen Art Academy (1950). Throughout his career, Hansen persistently explored themes of human form and relationships in both painting and sculpture, creating works that challenged conventional aesthetics. His sculptures are represented in museums and public spaces across Denmark and internationally. Oceania exemplifies Hansen's commitment to bold, figurative expression and his willingness to provoke thought and emotion through large-scale public works.

A Playground for Children, A Landmark for Visitors

Despite—or perhaps because of—its controversial nature, Oceania has become a beloved landmark for Odense's youngest residents. Children show no hesitation in climbing, sliding, and playing on the sculpture, treating it as an interactive public artwork rather than a distant monument. This playful engagement has transformed Oceania into a living, dynamic part of the city's public realm. Tourists frequently pause to photograph the sculpture and debate its gender presentation and meaning, making it an essential stop on any walking tour of central Odense.

Setting and Surroundings

Located on Flakhaven, the sculpture sits in the heart of Odense's historic center, surrounded by significant landmarks including City Hall and the adjacent cathedral. The square itself is a gathering place and transit hub, ensuring that Oceania remains visible and accessible to both residents and visitors. The sculpture's prominent placement amplifies its cultural impact and ensures it cannot be ignored or overlooked in discussions of contemporary Danish public art.