Hans Christian Andersen


Location: MAP | East Side at 74th Street

A favorite attraction for children is this statue meant for climbing.

The Hans Christian Andersen statue was erected in 1956 to commemorate the author's 150th birthday.

This large, bronze statue depicts Andersen seated upon a granite bench, reading from his book The Ugly Duckling.

Just like the neighboring and also highly popular statue, Alice in Wonderland, this Hans Christian Andersen statue is meant to be climbed on and is one of several popular attractions for kids at Conservatory Water.

Sculpted by Georg John Lober, it is a tribute to the Danish poet, novelist, and children's author and was made possible through a large donation by the Danish American Women's Association.

Saturday Morning Storytelling Program

Part of the reason for its popularity is the Saturday morning storytelling that takes place during the summer months at the foot of the statue.

Young children are treated to readings of not only Andersen's well-known tales, such as The Little Mermaid and Thumbelina, but other favorite stories from around the world.

Celebrity performers such as Victor Borge, Eva la Gallienne, Fanny Hurst, and Celeste Holm have also visited, telling their favorite stories. 

Stories are appropriate for children six years of age and up. Parents or guardians are asked to sit with their children during storytelling time. 

Program Schedule: Saturdays from June to September: 11:00 AM, rain or shine

2023 Schedule

  • 6/17/23 - The Teapot
  • 6/24/23 - The Flying Trunk
  • 7/1/23 - Little Ida's Flowers
  • 7/8/23 - The Pixie
  • 7/15/23 - Juan Bobo and His Pig
  • 7/22/23 - The Sandman, plus Annsi & the Moss Covered Stone
  • 7/29/23 - Foolish Hans
  • 8/5/23 - The Enchanted Sister
  • 8/12/23 - Sun and Moon, plus The Emperor's New Clothes
  • 9/30/23 - Africa Tales, plus The Ugly Duckling

Program Sponsor: Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center, Inc.

To support the program please visit: www.hcastorycenter.org. You can check their Facebook page for updates as well as details on each week's story and storyteller.