Karen Blixen statue unveiled in central Copenhagen

A bronze statue of the renowned Danish author Karen Blixen was erected on Wednesday in central Copenhagen. The statue depicts Blixen seated with crossed legs, a book in her lap, epitomizing her in later years. Unlike other hero figures on tall pedestals, it invites engagement, echoing her motto ‘Je responderay,’ which means to meet one’s surroundings with openness and confidence. Located at Sankt Annæ Plads, near Amalienborg and Nyhavn, it is in company with statues of C.F. Tietgen, J.P.E. Hartmann, and Herman Bang. The unveiling was attended by Blixen’s family descendants. Initiated in 2017 by Marie Breyen Foss and sculptor Rikke Raben, the project’s aim was to honor Blixen’s significant impact on Copenhagen’s cultural heritage, with later support from curator Annesofie Becker and CEO Adam Foss.