5. Hans Christen Andersen Sculpture in Central Park

In 1955, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, the Danish American Women’s Association sponsored a sculpture of the author. Danish and American schoolchildren together helped to raise the $75,000 necessary to build this work of art. Georg John Lober designed the larger than life sculpture of Andersen sitting down looking towards his Ugly Duckling, whose story he has open on his lap. Since 1956, the statue in Central Park has served as the location for children’s reading events.