Statues worldwide symbolize various aspects of culture and history. They range from commemorating individuals and events to expressing religious reverence.
One notable example is the largest statue globally, often serving as a focal point for tourism.
Here are the top 10 biggest statues and monuments in the world in 2024
The Statue of Unity – Gujarat, India (182m)
The Statue of Unity, located in Kevadia, Gujarat, India, stands at 182 meters, making it the tallest statue in the world. Situated on Sadhu Bet, a river island near the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River, this colossal statue depicts Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent leader of India’s independence movement and the nation’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Designed by the renowned Indian sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar and constructed by Larsen & Toubro Ltd, the statue was unveiled on October 31, 2018, commemorating Patel’s 143rd birth anniversary. It is twice the height of Big Ben and over three times the height of the Statue of Liberty. The project also involved contributions from local farmers, who donated tools to help obtain some of the iron required for construction.
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Spring Temple Buddha – Henan, China (128m)
The Spring Temple Buddha, standing at 128 meters, is the world’s second-tallest statue. This colossal statue depicts the Vairocana Buddha, located in the Fodushan Scenic Area of Zhaocun township, Lushan County, Henan Province, China.
Named after the nearby Tianrui hot spring, renowned for its curative properties, the statue was completed on September 1, 2008, and held the title of the world’s tallest statue for ten years.
Laykyun Sekkya – Khatakan Taung, Myanmar (115.8m)
The Laykyun Sekkya Buddha, standing at 115.8 meters, is the world’s third-tallest statue. Located in Khatakan Taung village near Monywa in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, this colossal monument was completed on February 21, 2008.
The statue depicts a standing Gautama Buddha alongside a reclining Buddha, representing the scene of ‘Parinirvana’—the death of someone who has attained nirvana. Although it briefly held the record for the world’s tallest statue upon completion, another monument soon surpassed it.
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Vishwas Swaroopam – Nathdwara, India (106m)
The Statue of Belief, also known as Vishwas Swaroopam, is the world’s tallest statue of the Hindu God Shiva. Near Nathdwara, Rajasthan, India, it depicts Shiva in quiet meditation overlooking the countryside.
Completed in 2020 and opened to the public in 2022, this copper-coated concrete statue features an exhibition hall and an elevator transporting visitors to various viewing areas.
Ushiku Daibutsu – Ushiku, Japan (100m)
The Ushiku Daibutsu, located in Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, stands 100 meters tall and is the world’s fifth-tallest statue. This bronze monument, completed in 1993, depicts Amitabha Buddha and commemorates the birth of Shinran, the founder of Shin Buddhism, the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan.
Upon its completion, it was the tallest statue in the world, a record it held for 15 years. Visitors can take an elevator inside the statue up to an 85-meter observation deck offering impressive views. Weighing over 4,000 tonnes, it is also considered the heaviest statue ever built.
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Guishan Guanyin – Hunan, China (99m)
The Guishan Guanyin, standing at 99 meters, is the world’s sixth-tallest statue. Located in Miyin Temple in the city of Ningxiang, Weishan Township, Hunan Province, China, this gilded bronze statue was completed in 2009. It depicts Shiyimian Qianshou Guanyin, also known as the “Eleven-headed thousand-armed Guanyin,” a manifestation of the Bodhisattva Guanyin.
To visit the statue, visitors must climb the many flights of stairs at Miyin Temple, a Chan Buddhist temple. Upon reaching the top, they are rewarded with the sight of this magnificent gilded bronze monument, which was constructed at a cost of approximately £28 million.
Mother of All Asia – Pagkilatan, Philippines (98.15m)
The ‘Mother of All Asia’ statue, the world’s tallest depiction of the Virgin Mary, symbolizes peace and unity. Located at the Montemaria International Pilgrimage & Conference Center in Batangas City, Philippines, it was completed in 2021.
Though simple in design compared to some other statues, it remains highly impressive. Inside, the statue houses chapels, theaters, shops, food halls, residential spaces, and a shrine dedicated to Pope John Paul II.
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Great Buddha of Thailand – Ang Thong, Thailand (93m)
Standing 93 meters tall, the Great Buddha of Thailand is the world’s eighth-tallest statue, located in the Wat Muang Temple, Ang Thong Province. Depicting Buddha in the Maravijaya Attitude, it was commissioned by the temple’s first abbot to honor King Bhumibol.
Completed in 2008 after 18 years of construction, the statue is 63 meters wide and made of concrete painted gold, funded by local Buddhist donations totaling £2.2 million.
Sendai Dai Kannon – Sendai, Japan (92m)
The Sendai Daikannon, standing at a towering height of 92 meters, claims the title of the world’s ninth-tallest statue. Located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, it portrays the Bodhisattva Kannon, also known as Byakue Kannon, holding the “Chintamani gem” a legendary jewel revered in both Buddhism and Hinduism.
Completed in 1991, this monumental statue is a symbol of spiritual significance.
Dai Kannon of Kita no Miyako Park – Ashibetsu, Japan (88m)
The Dai Kannon of Kita no Miyako Park, also known as the Hokkaido Kannon, stands at 88 meters tall, making it the world’s tenth tallest statue. Located in Ashibetsu, Japan, it portrays Guanyin/Avalokitesvara, symbolizing mercy and compassion in Buddhism. Completed in 1989, it was once the tallest statue globally until 1991.
Despite being part of a wave of statues built in Japan during the 1980s, many have since fallen into disrepair or been demolished.
