Carl Nielsen memorial

The Carl Nielsen memorial is a bronze sculpture located at the corner of Grønningen and Store Kongensgade in central Copenhagen. It depicts a young male figure playing pan-pipes while seated on a winged yet defenseless mythological horse in a dynamic pose.

The memorial was created in 1939 by Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen, the composer's wife, following years of financial hardship and design disagreements. The bronze sculpture with granite base honors the legacy of the Danish musician at a central Copenhagen location.

The sculpture blends Greek mythology with the composer's identity by depicting Pan, the god of music, with features resembling Carl Nielsen himself. The figure perched on a wingless Pegasus represents the connection between artistic creation and classical traditions.

The memorial sits at an easily accessible corner in Copenhagen's center and can be visited quickly while exploring the neighborhood on foot. Its location at a street intersection makes it simple to find and allows visitors to view it from different angles.

The original plaster model of this bronze sculpture is preserved at the Carl Nielsen Museum in Odense. This records the artistic creation process by Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen and shows how the work evolved from its initial design to the final bronze casting.

Location: Copenhagen Municipality

Inception: 1939

Creator: Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen

Official opening: December 17, 1939

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 55.69082,12.58866

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24