Photograph this Gothenburg icon, a sculpture of the Greek god of the sea, rising high above the city’s main square.
Make a stop at Götaplatsen to see the statue of Poseidon posing proudly atop a fountain. Designed by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and raised in 1931, the 7-metre (23-foot) high Poseidon Statue is a monument to Gothenburg’s long seafaring history.
Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, is a relevant deity for the port city of Gothenburg. Sailors pray to him for safe voyages and smooth returns. Milles sculpted Poseidon holding a fish and a shell to reinforce the idea that the god has control over the seas.
Just after the Poseidon fountain was mounted, the artist received commissions to design fountains in the U.S. and proceeded to spend 20 years there working on projects across the country. His work at home, and in particular the Poseidon Statue, brought him world fame.
Poseidon is not the only creature in Milles’s Götaplatsen fountain. Inspect the sides of the basin and you will see reliefs of various types of sea life. Water launches at Poseidon from six small sculptures situated on the rim of the fountain.
Take in the view of Avenyn, Gothenburg’s main street, from the steps of the fountain. Gaze at the tall arches of the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the porthole windows of the City Theatre and the huge glass façade of the Concert Hall. Notice the similarities between the buildings. They were all built around the same time as the statue in the 1920s and 1930s.
Return at night to see the fountain and the surrounding square beautifully transformed by lights. Bring a tripod to catch the soft glow of the statue created from the spotlights beneath it filtered through the light spray of the fountain.
Due to the height of the fountain and the superhuman size of Poseidon, the sculpture is clearly visible from a considerable distance. Walk or take a tram or taxi from other attractions in the centre of Gothenburg, since parking in the area around the statue is limited and expensive. The fountain is accessible at any time of the day and night and is free to admire.
