The 10 Weirdest Public Sculptures

All around the world, public monuments set the tone for City and Town pride. Often, these celebrate local heroes (or outdated notions of leadership), and other times they celebrate prevailing industry. In our HUGE LIST, we charted some of the sculptures that capture attention simply because of size.

Now we're flipping the script.

This list shares some of the strangest, most eyebrow-raising moments the world has to offer. Legs that extend aimlessly into the sky? Yup, those are here. Children being cheeky at the park? But, of course. And, there are also those things that simply don't really make sense at all. (Because, yes, the other stuff we just alluded to is totally logical).

Check out The 10 Weirdest Public Sculptures.

Liege, Belgium

This sculpture, designed by Turkish artist Mehmet Ali Uysal, was built for the Festival of the Five Seasons in Chaudfontaine Park. The park is located on the outskirts of Liege, Belgium. Appearing to grasp a mound of dirt and grass, the sculpture is just one of many illusions produced by Uysal.

Paris, France

Located in Monmartre, this sculpture is based on the character Dutilleul from Marcel Ayme's short story series Le Pase-Muraille. Fittingly, the work decorates Place Marcel Ayme, a street dedicated to the author.

Havana, Cuba

This monument isn't too weird, until you consider location and that it was commissioned by Castro. The statue was built 20 years after the Beatles death… at which time Castro eased up on anti-Beatle legislation and began celebrating the singer/songwriter publicly.

Bundoora, Australia

Why is this statue upside down? A common question, but one that prompts serious answer. Charles La Trobe, founder of the Royal Botanic Gardens, State Library, Museum of Victoria, National Gallery of Victoria, and University of Melbourne, is subject. As first lieutenant-governor of Victoria, Australia, he helped to turn ideas on their heads. That, sculptor Charles Robb suggests, is the theme of the sculpture. Odd, but powerful. The statue sits at La Trobe University in Bundoora.

Seattle, Washington

Located under the north end of the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, this troll is famous for its appearance in the film 10 Things I Hate About You. The design won a commission from the Fremont Arts Council in 1990 and was completed by four artists: Steven Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead. The base idea is inspired by "Three Billy Goats Gruff," a Scandinavian folk tale.

Alberta, Canada

Made completely of bricks, this sculpture rises 20 feet. It is located in the middle of Southgate Transit Centre in Alberta.

Prague, Czech Republic

Responsible for a slew of odd public sculpture throughout Prague, David Cerny's urinating fellows are his most famous. The mechanical sculptures are computer-controlled, so passers by simply text a number if they want to see the action. The only thing odder is that these guys aren't the only peeing sculptures in the world.

Kristiansund, Norway

Designed by Tore Bjørn Skjølsvik in 1972, this naughty little fellow relieves himself in the town Swan Pond.

Brussels, Belgium

Designed by Jerome Duquesnoy way back in 1618, the Manneken Pis (Little Man Pee) is regularly dressed in costume (for example, a Judo suit). Bizarrely, the statue functions as a Belgian national icon. Funnily enough, there's also a female counterpart (Jeanneke Pis)… but she's a little harder to track down… and a dog, the Zinneke Pis.

Bern, Switzerland

This wild sculpture was built in 1546. Nobody seems to know exactly why (or why it is still around). Regardless it is terrifying.