Statues are the finest exhibition of architectural prowess since the time known or unknown. These extraordinary works of art, ranging from ancient, medieval, or modern times, quite subtly manifest the best of the era. Be it the rock-cut pieces from prehistoric eras or some of the finest yet giant monolithic pieces from medieval times, these famous statues in the world have fascinated tourists and archaeologists the most. Moreover, these statues have enjoyed their share of fame over the period.
Celebrities from Hollywood have frequently unveiled their public statues, while celebrities in India continue to be enthralled with wax statues. While wax statues are considered a source of great pride among Indian superstars, public monuments are far more popular in Hollywood. Only a few Indian celebrities, such as actor Rajesh Khanna and filmmaker Yash Chopra, have prominent sculptures. However, it appears that the craze for public sculptures is slowly catching on among B-Town celebrities, even though it is already a massive thing among celebrities in the West.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The mayor of the town where Austrian bodybuilder, actor, and former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger once lived called him “Austria’s most famous living son.” He subsequently decided to announce a statue of the bodybuilder in 2011, erected in front of the modest home where the former political figure grew up in the tiny village of Alpine. The surprising news here is that Arnold commissioned the piece to add to a museum of all things related to him and his fame.
Elvis Presley
The king of rock is quite possibly the most well-known performer in the world, with a staggering number of sculptures. From Memphis to Japan, Israel to Shreveport, Louisiana, Elvis Prestley monuments lure fans. This homage to Elvis Presley, representing him in all his hip-swinging glory, is located in Nashville, the country music capital, and is a renowned tourist attraction that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Jean-Claude Van Damme
The famous statue of the famous ’80s star was introduced in his hometown during an important event. It was the 40th anniversary of the local shopping mall. Van Damme even took time to pose with his statue when it was erected and made public, and it really does resemble him. It’s something that the people of Brussels commemorate in a big way. They’re very proud of their local hometown hero for leaving the country and coming to America to pursue his dreams of becoming rich and famous. He’s certainly made good on his dreams in the past three decades.
Colin Firth
In July 2013, a 12-foot fiberglass statue of Colin Firth was erected in the Serpentine, a lake in Hyde Park, London, to mark the launch of UKTV’s new channel, Drama. The sculpture was meant to pay tribute to the BBC’s beloved 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. In the miniseries, Firth (as Mr. Darcy) has a scene in which he emerges dripping wet in a shirt after a spontaneous swim at his estate. The scene was chosen after U.K. television viewers voted it the most memorable moment in a British TV drama in a survey.
