Another Copenhagen tale lies beneath the surface. I am about to tell you about Et og Alt Sculpture. This isn’t your typical above-ground attraction.
Et og Alt Sculpture resides underwater in the Slotsholm Canal. It is near the Højbro Bridge. Many miss it.
Agnete and the Merman inspired this bronze creation. Suste Bonnén designed it in 1992. Et og Alt Sculpture offers a unique experience.
The story behind Et og Alt Sculpture is quite sad. It is rooted in Danish folklore. A merman fell deeply in love. Agnete was the lucky human. He asked for her hand in marriage. She accepted his proposal. Agnete joined him in his underwater world. Agnete bore him seven sons. One day, she heard church bells ringing. Drawn to the sound, she visited the land. Agnete promised to return. But she never did. The statues depict the merman and his sons. They are frozen in mournful poses. They represent the family’s grief. They long for their lost mother.
The artist designed the children with reaching arms. Their heads are in their hands. This emphasises their despair. It’s a stark contrast to Copenhagen’s hygge. The statue adds to the city’s artistic landscape.
Et og Alt Sculpture is deliberately under the radar. No signs point the way. Tourist maps often omit it. This is part of its allure. Spotting a head in the water creates a sense of discovery. You feel like you have stumbled upon a secret.
Many walk past without noticing it. They admire the city around them. They are unaware of the submerged artwork. This hidden quality enhances the experience. It becomes a personal encounter. You are connecting with Copenhagen’s lesser-known stories.
The measuring stick in the canal is also a guide. Boat tours often pass by. Some even stop briefly. Yet, guides rarely mention it. This silence only adds to the mystery. It makes the discovery all the more special.
So, keep an eye out. Next time you are near Højbro Bridge. Look beneath the surface. Et og Alt Sculpture awaits. It shares a poignant tale. It is about love, loss, and longing. It is a submerged treasure.