Throughout history, various cultures have adeptly crafted statues, with their inception spanning from ancient times to the contemporary era. A testament to the enduring human tradition of sculptures is the oldest known statue, dating back
approximately 30,000 years. Sculptures manifest in diverse forms, portraying a range of beings, whether real or fantastical and often adorn public spaces, serving as expressions of public art.
As of 2024, the tallest statue in the world is the Statue of Unity, situated in India. This colossal monument stands at a towering height of 182 meters (597 feet) and pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent leader in India’s struggle for independence. The statue is prominently located along the banks of the Narmada River in the state of Gujarat, India.
List of Top 10 Tallest Statues in the world
1. Tallest Statue in the World: Statue of Unity
- Height: 182m (597 ft.)
- Location: Sardar Sarovar Dam, Kevadiya, Narmada district, Gujarat, India.
- Country: India
- Depiction: Vallabhbhai Patel
- Year of completion: 2018
Key Point: It is the world’s tallest statue standing on a base of 58 m, total monument height is 240 m (790 ft.). This statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was unveiled by PM Narendra Modi at the 143rd birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31st, 2018. This is the tallest statue in the world and suited in India.
2. Second Tallest Statue in the World: Spring Temple Buddha
- Height: 128 m (420 ft.)
- Location: Lushan, Henan
- Country: China
- Depiction: Buddha (Vairocana)
- Year of completion: 2008
Key points: It is the world’s second tallest statue and formed in the centre of a lotus-shaped seat. The monument stands atop a slope that has been altered to make two more pedestals.
3. Third Tallest Statue in the World: Laykyun Sekkya
- Height: 115.8 m (380 ft.)
- Location: Khatakan Taun, near Monywa, Sagaing Division, Mynmar
- Country: Myanmar
- Depiction: Buddha (Gautama)
- Year of completion: 2008
Key points: This statue stands on a 13.41 m (44 ft.) lotus throne and the total height of the sculpture is 129.2 m (424 ft.). The construction of this statue began in 1996 and lasted 12 years. In February 2008, the monument became formally open to the public.
4. Statue of Belief (Vishwas Swaroopam)
- Height: 106 m (348 ft.)
- Location: Nathdwara, Rajasthan
- Country: India
- Depiction: Lord Shiva
- Year of completion: 2020
Key points: This status is the world’s tallest Shiva statue with a base of 33 m (108 ft.), thus the total height of the sculpture is 112 m (367 ft.).
5. Ushiku Daibutsu
- Height: 100 m (330 ft.)
- Location: Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Country: Japan
- Depiction: Buddha (Amitabha)
- Year of completion: 1993
Key points: It was the highest statue in the world from 1993-2008. The statue is made of bronze and depicts Amitabha Buddha. It was created to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of Buddhism’s “True Pure Land School.”
6. Sendai Daikannon
- Height: 100 m (330 ft.)
- Location: Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
- Country: Japan
- Depiction: Kannon (Avalokitesvara)
- Year of completion: 1991
Key points: It was the world’s highest statue from 1991-1993. This is Japan’s highest goddess statue and one of the sic tallest statues in the world.
7. Guishan Guanyin
- Height: 99m (325 ft.)
- Location: Weishan Changsha, Hunan
- Country: China
- Depiction: Guanyin- Eleven-headed Thousand-armed Guanyin
- Year of completion: 2009
Key points: The gilt bronze statue shows Guanyin with eleven heads and thousands of arms. This shows a bodhisattva who empodies all Buddhas’ compassion.
8. Thailand’s Great Buddha
- Height: 93 m (305 ft.)
- Location: Ang Thong
- Country: Thailand
- Depiction: Buddha (Gautama)
- Year of completion: 2008
Key points: The Great Statue of Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is the largest statue in Thailand, the second largest in Southern Asia and the seventh tallest in the world. This concrete statue of Buddha is painted in gold.
9. Kita no Miyako park’s Dai Kannon
- Height: 88 m (289 ft.)
- Location: Ashibetsu, Hokkaido
- Country: Japan
- Depiction: Kannon (Avalokitesvara)
- Year of completion: 1989
Key points: It was the world’s largest statue from 1989-1991. This is the third highest monument in Japan and the ninth largest in the world, tied with the Grand Buddha at Ling Shan.
10. Mother of All Asia- Tower of Peace
- Height: 88m (289 ft.)
- Location: Pagkilatan, Batangas city
- Country: Philippines
- Depiction: Mary
- Year of completion: 2021
Key points: Tallest statue in the Philippines and the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in the world.
FAQs
Which is the Tallest Statue in the World 2024?
As of January 2024, the tallest status in the world is ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat, India. It stands at an impressive height of 182 m (597 feet).
What is the significance of the Statue of Unity?
The Statue of Unity is not only a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, but also serves as a symbol of unity, national pride and India’s progress.
Which is the second tallest statue in the world 2024?
As of January 2024, the second tallest statue in the world is ‘Spring Temple Buddha’ which is located in China at a height of 128 m.