The World’s Top Ten Largest Statues

Statues serve various purposes, from honoring historical events and celebrities to expressing devotion to religious figures. But have you ever wondered about the world’s largest statue?

There are numerous remarkable landmarks worldwide, such as the Statue of Liberty in New York (43 meters tall), Michelangelo’s David (5 meters tall), and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. However, these installations pale in comparison to some of the largest statues on the planet.

So, how tall are the world’s largest statues, and where can you find them? Here are the top 10 largest statues globally, sorted by height.

10. Kitanomiyako Park Daikannon – Ashibetsu City (88m)

The Great Kannon in Kita no Miyako Park is a statue dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon, an important figure in Buddhism associated with compassion and mercy. In traditional Chinese Buddhism, Guan Yin is represented as a man. However, in Japanese culture, God is considered to be female and is depicted as such in artwork and sculptures.

The construction of the statue was completed in 1989, and until 1991, it was the tallest statue globally. This statue is one of many erected across Japan by affluent benefactors during the 1980s financial boom. Many of these statues have since deteriorated, and some have been demolished.

9. Sendai Daikannon – Sendai City (92m)

The next spot on our list is occupied by another similar statue depicting the Great Kannon. This version was erected in Sendai City in 1991 and briefly held the title of the world’s tallest statue.

In this depiction, the Great Kannon holds the Cintamani Stone, a wish-fulfilling gemstone present in both Buddhism and Hinduism.

8. Thai Big Buddha – Angthong, Thailand (92m)

The Great Buddha of Thailand, officially known as Phra Putta Mahanawamintra Sakayamnee Sri Viseichaichang, is not just towering but also impressively wide at 63 meters. The statue’s construction spanned 18 years, completed in 2008.

This seemingly extravagant statue is actually made of concrete painted in gold. Local Buddhists funded the £2.2 million needed to build the Big Buddha through donations.

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7. Mother of all Asia – Pagquilatan, Philippines (98.15m)

The “Mother of All Asia” statue represents the world’s tallest Virgin Mary, symbolizing peace and unity. Situated at the Monte Maria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center in Batangas City, Philippines, the statue was finalized in 2021.

Compared to the other statues on our list, this statue is relatively simple yet equally striking. The interior includes a chapel, theater, shops, food hall, living spaces, and the Basilica of Pope John Paul II.

6. Kameyama Guanyin – Hunan, China (99m)

To reach the Kameyama Thousand-Armed Kannon Statue, one must ascend numerous steps at the Meiyin Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple in Weishan, China.

Your reward upon reaching the top is a gold-plated bronze monument depicting the manifestation of the Bodhisattva Kannon, known as Shigian Senju Kannon. The statue was finalized in 2009, costing approximately £28 million.

5. Ushiku Daibutsu – Ushiku City (100m)

Completed in 1993, the Ushiku Daibutsu Buddha statue was once the tallest worldwide for 15 years. The statue houses an elevator that transports visitors to an 85-meter observation deck for spectacular views. It is also considered the heaviest statue ever constructed, weighing over 4,000 tons.

This bronze monument commemorates the birth of Shinran, an influential Japanese monk who established the Shin sect of Buddhism, the most widely practiced sect in Japan.

4. Vishwas Swaroopam – Nathdwara, India (106m)

Vishwas Swaroopam, also known as the devotional statue, portrays the Hindu god Shiva meditating peacefully overlooking the Indian countryside near Nathdwara in Rajasthan, India. It is the tallest Shiva statue globally.

Constructed from copper-clad concrete, the statue was completed in 2020 and opened to the public in 2022. The building includes elevators that transport visitors to various viewing points along with an exhibition hall.

3. Lekyun Sekkya – Katakan Town, Myanmar (116m)

Featuring a unique design, the Rakhikyun Sekhya Buddha statue alternates between depicting Gautama Buddha in two states: “Pari Nirvana” and Buddhist scenes. This statue rests on a large platform in the village of Katakan Taung, Myanmar, and was completed in 2008, briefly holding the title of the world’s tallest statue before being surpassed.

2. Spring Temple Buddha – Henan, China (128m)

The world’s tallest Buddha statue is situated in Zhaocun Town, Lushan County, China, portraying the Cosmic Buddha or Dainichi Nyorai in the lotus position. It is known as the “Spring Temple Buddha” due to its proximity to a renowned hot spring with healing properties.

Completed in 2008, this statue held the title of the world’s tallest bronze statue for a decade.

1. Statue of Unity – Gujarat, India (182m)

Standing at a towering height of 182 meters, the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, India, claims the title of the world’s tallest statue. It surpasses Big Ben’s height twofold and exceeds the Statue of Liberty’s height by over three times.

This statue immortalizes Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Indian independence leader who served as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister post-independence in 1947.

To obtain some of the iron required for this remarkable monument, located near the Narmada dam as part of a larger complex, local farmers were urged to donate tools.

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