The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
A surreal sister to Copenhagen’s classic mermaid, Bjørn Nørgaard’s genetically modified version turns the harbourfront into a sharp, humorous reflection on modern society.
Set in a harbour basin by the historic Dahlerups Pakhus on Langelinie, the Genetically Modified Little Mermaid is Bjørn Nørgaard’s provocative twist on Copenhagen’s most famous icon. Part of the larger “Genetically Modified Paradise” sculpture group, this distorted mermaid sits on her own tiny island, just a short walk from the classic Little Mermaid. It is an outdoor, freely accessible artwork that blends humour, philosophy and social critique against a backdrop of granite paving, fountain basins and working harbour views.
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 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 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
- Visit both mermaids on the same outing: start at the famous Little Mermaid, then continue a few minutes along Langelinie to compare this twisted, conceptual counterpart.
- Allow extra time to explore the full “Genetically Modified Paradise” around the fountain on the square, not just the mermaid out in the basin.
- Come on an overcast or quieter weekday morning if you want to photograph the statue and basin without cruise crowds in the background.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Metro and walking
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Østerport Station. From there, it is roughly a 15–20 minute walk through the Kastellet and Langelinie waterfront area to Dahlerups Pakhus and the harbour basin where the sculpture sits. The route is mostly flat and paved, suitable for prams and most wheelchairs in good weather. Metro tickets within the city zones typically cost around 20–30 DKK one way.
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City bus
Several city buses serve the Langelinie and Østerbro area from the inner city, with journey times of about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Buses stop along Østerbrogade and near the cruise terminals, from where you can walk 5–15 minutes to the sculpture along the promenade. Standard bus fares within central zones are generally 20–30 DKK and services run frequently during the day, with reduced frequency in late evenings and on Sundays.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s cycling infrastructure makes it easy to reach Langelinie by bike from the city centre in about 10–20 minutes. Dedicated cycle lanes run much of the way, but near the cruise quays you share space with pedestrians and service vehicles, so moderate your speed. Many rental bikes and bike‑share schemes are available across the city, with typical costs starting around 10–30 DKK per short ride or 100–150 DKK for a full‑day rental.
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Harbour or canal tour
Guided canal and harbour tours departing from central docks often pass along Langelinie and provide a water‑level view of both the original Little Mermaid and the Genetically Modified Little Mermaid area. Tours usually last 60–90 minutes and cost in the range of 90–150 DKK per adult. Boats do not normally disembark here, so this option is best for an overview rather than close physical access to the sculpture.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
A playful provocation in Copenhagen harbour
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid sits low in the water basin by Dahlerups Pakhus on Langelinie, an instant jolt of strangeness in an otherwise orderly harbour scene. Where Copenhagen’s original Little Mermaid is smooth and romantic, this cousin is deliberately distorted: limbs elongated, body twisted, proportions slightly unsettling. From the quay you look down at her on a small artificial islet, surrounded by ripples and reflections of the surrounding brick warehouses and cruise ships. The sculpture is free to visit at any time of day, and there is no barrier between the quayside and the edge of the basin, only the usual harbour railings and bollards. Benches and low walls nearby invite you to linger and puzzle out the details while the sounds of gulls, ship horns and bike bells mix together. It feels less like a postcard viewpoint and more like stumbling across a thought experiment made solid in bronze.The Genetically Modified Paradise ensemble
The mermaid is the final piece in a larger installation called “The Genetically Modified Paradise,” a sculptural ensemble created by Danish artist and professor Bjørn Nørgaard. On the square beside Dahlerups Pakhus, granite paving frames a broad fountain where a monumental sandstone arch rises like a triumphal gate. At its peak stands a towering genetically modified Madonna, about nine metres tall, presiding over a ring of figures placed around the basin. These companions are not random mythological characters. Adam, Eve, Christ, Maria Magdalena, the Tripartite Capital and the Pregnant Man all appear in deliberately exaggerated, hybrid forms. Their surfaces, poses and symbols hint at religion, economics, gender and science, all twisted together. Seen from the square, the group feels dense and theatrical; from the harbour edge, your gaze is drawn outward to the mermaid, exiled to her own island as if she has drifted away from the others.Ideas beneath the altered surface
Nørgaard’s work has been described as a humorous yet sharp commentary on postmodern society, and this piece continues that line. The title “Genetically Modified” immediately evokes debates about biotechnology, ownership of life, and the ways humans reshape nature for profit or perfection. Placing this mermaid within sight of Copenhagen’s cherished original turns the waterfront into a dialogue between nostalgia and critique. Instead of the pure, melancholic fairy-tale heroine, you see a body that bears the marks of experimentation. Some visitors read her as a warning against careless tampering with the natural world; others see a playful celebration of hybridity and change. The surrounding figures in the fountain bring in religion and capital, suggesting that science, belief and money are all part of the same contemporary ecosystem.A different angle on a famous icon
One of the pleasures of seeking out the Genetically Modified Little Mermaid is the way it reframes a well-trodden route. Only a few hundred metres separate this statue from the original Little Mermaid further along Langelinie, yet the atmosphere could hardly be more different. Where crowds gather and cameras flash at the older statue, this corner tends to feel spacious, with room to walk, circle the basin and contemplate the work in relative quiet. Langelinie itself is layered with sights: the fortress earthworks of Kastellet, the Gefion Fountain, moored naval vessels and visiting cruise ships. Within this mix of history and tourism, Nørgaard’s sculptures inject a sly sense of mischief. The industrial character of the quay and the rough stonework of the fountain give the installation a physical weight that anchors its more abstract ideas.Exploring the waterfront art landscape
Spending time here is as much about the wider setting as the single statue. The granite square shows subtle detailing, from the patterning of the paving to the way water plays over the sculptural bases. On breezy days spray from the fountain and harbour mingles, while in calm weather the water surface becomes a mirror, doubling the forms of Madonna and mermaid. The site rewards slow looking. Details emerge: an unexpected facial expression on a secondary figure, an inscription, or a curve of metal that hints at both fish tail and surgical incision. As daylight shifts, so does the mood; bright sun can make the work feel satirical and bold, while overcast skies lend it something more sombre. Within a short walk you can rejoin the main promenade, but this pocket of conceptual art leaves a lingering aftertaste, a reminder that even in one of Europe’s most photographed waterfronts, nothing is as simple as it first appears.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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