Where exactly is Gothenburg's Poseidon statue located?

Poseidon stands at the top of Avenyn at Götaplatsen, positioned in a water fountain in front of the Gothenburg Museum of Art. You can easily spot him as the iconic naked bronze figure overlooking the square, making it one of Gothenburg's most recognizable landmarks.

Who created the Poseidon statue and when was it built?

The sculpture was created by renowned artist Carl Milles and was completed in 1931. It has since become the iconic symbol of Gothenburg and stands 22 feet tall, representing the city's maritime heritage.

Why is the Poseidon statue naked and what is he holding?

Unlike traditional depictions of Poseidon as an old bearded man with a trident, this version portrays him as a young man holding a fish in one hand and a shell in the other. When the statue was first completed, locals found it somewhat embarrassing that he was depicted naked, but it has since become an accepted and beloved part of Gothenburg's identity.

What is the significance of the Poseidon statue in Gothenburg?

The statue is considered the protector of sailors and has become the iconic symbol of Gothenburg, reflecting the city's strong connection to the sea and maritime history. His position overlooking Götaplatsen makes him a central figure in the city's cultural landscape.

Can I visit the Poseidon statue and what else is nearby?

Yes, Poseidon is freely accessible at Götaplatsen, and you can visit him anytime as he stands in a public water fountain. The Gothenburg Museum of Art is located right in front of the statue, making it easy to combine your visit with cultural attractions in the area.

← Back

Art, Theaters and Museums 📍 Götaplatsen, Sweden 170 views

Gothenburg's Poseidon

At the top from Avenyn at Götaplatsen you will find him standing naked and with a small shy look looking down, Gothenburg's Poseidon. When Poseidon was finished on Götaplatsen, the people thought it was a bit embarrassing that he was naked. This naked bronze statue of Poseidon is...

Photo · Moira L.

Gothenburg's Poseidon — Götaplatsen, Sweden.

Location

Götaplatsen

Type

Art, Theaters and Museums

Opening hours

—

Weather now

—

↗ Directions

About Gothenburg's Poseidon

Gothenburg's Poseidon - Götaplatsen | Secret World Trip Planner

At the top from Avenyn at Götaplatsen you will find him standing naked and with a small shy look looking down, Gothenburg's Poseidon. When Poseidon was finished on Götaplatsen, the people thought it was a bit embarrassing that he was naked. This naked bronze statue of Poseidon is considered to be the protector of sailors. He is typically portrayed as an old man with a beard holding a trident. However, in this version, he is young and holding a fish in one hand and a shell in the other. This image of the Greek Olympian deity, who is the God of the Sea, has become the iconic symbol of Gothenburg. Created by Carl Milles in 1931, the sculpture stands 22 feet in a water fountain in front of the Gothenburg Museum of Art.