Public statues are usually meant to be serious tributes to history, but these photos prove they are also the world’s best props for a quick laugh.
From perfectly timed interactions to clever additions that change the entire meaning of a sculpture, these images capture the moment when ordinary people (and a few animals) decided to play along with the art. We’ve rounded up 9 of the funniest and most creative ways people have turned “do not touch” monuments into interactive comedy.
More: Playing With Statues (26 photos)
1. The Weight of Grief by Celeste Roberge
In this touching and slightly surreal moment, a toddler reaches out to offer comfort to Celeste Roberge’s massive sculpture. The contrast between the heavy, rock-filled figure and the small, innocent gesture from the child turns a somber piece of art into a beautiful lesson in empathy.
🔗 Follow Celeste Roberge on Instagram
2. Story Time with Hans Christian Andersen
In New York’s Central Park, a group of friends decided to join the legendary storyteller for a reading session. By leaning in and “listening” to the book, they’ve turned a static bronze monument into a lively, modern-day gathering that Hans Christian Andersen himself would likely have loved.
3. Giant Straw Triceratops at the Wara Art Festival in Niigata, Japan
Every year after the rice harvest, the countryside of Niigata is transformed into an outdoor gallery as leftover straw (wara) is used to create massive animal sculptures. Here, two children encounter a giant Triceratops, one of the festival’s most popular creations. It’s a fantastic example of how traditional farming and modern creativity come together to fascinate both kids and adults.
🔗 See more sculptures from the festival here. straw creature feel like a gentle giant from another era.
4. The Ultimate Hair Flip
Timing is everything. This visitor managed to align her hair flip perfectly with the outstretched hand of a classical statue, making it look like the stone figure just delivered a particularly dramatic slap. It’s a hilarious example of how a little perspective can create a whole new story.
5. Joining the Bunny Line
Why just watch the parade when you can be part of it? This toddler decided that a row of bronze rabbits was the perfect place to practice standing in line. By grabbing the tail of the last bunny, the child becomes the adorable caboose in this whimsical animal procession.
6. Tug-of-Dog
Even the local pets are getting in on the action. This real-life pup spotted a bronze dog “tugging” on a girl’s dress and decided to lend a helping hand (or paw). It’s a hilarious “glitch in the matrix” moment where the line between statue and reality gets very blurry.
7. Last in Line
This little boy took the “follow the leader” statue quite literally. By placing his hand on the back of the bronze child in front of him, he seamlessly joins the group, turning a public walkway into a playful game of imagination that spans across generations.
8. Time for a Shave
Sometimes all a statue needs is a bit of grooming. An anonymous prankster added a bright pink razor to the hand of this twisting figure, instantly changing a dramatic pose into a mundane morning routine. It’s a simple, low-cost addition that delivers a high-impact laugh.
9. Getting a Second Opinion in Trieste, Italy
These two visitors found a bronze scholar deep in thought and decided he needed some help with his research. By pointing at the pages and leaning in, they’ve transformed a quiet moment of study into a group project that looks surprisingly urgent.
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Which one is your favorite?
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When imagination and art become one.
They are all fantastic but the face slap and the pink razor were both hilarious