Concealed Messages In Famous Statues That We Can’t Unsee

Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, Michaelangelo’s David… These iconic monuments and artworks are so familiar that they’re embedded in the cultural fabric of society. But did you know that many of these ultra-famous statues have fascinating hidden meanings or secrets concealed within them? Yes, we could tell you some things about Lady Liberty that would blow your mind! In fact, what we’re about to reveal might change your perception of these celebrated landmarks forever...

20. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This iconic Brazilian statue, depicting Jesus Christ with his arms outstretched, is famous the world over. A marvel of early 20th-century construction, finished in 1931, it stands at a jaw-dropping 98-ft high. But even more remarkable is the illusion of its composition. Yes, from a distance the towering monument looks completely smooth, right?

Soapstone tiles

But aha! Look closely and you’ll see that it is in fact constructed from millions of soapstone tiles on which, the BBC tells us, are messages written by women volunteers who hand-glued them onto linen cloths. Cool huh? But the secrets don’t end there; as there is also a trapdoor concealed in the statue’s right shoulder, lending access for maintenance workers.

19. Mustangs of Las Colinas, Irving, Texas

A quite wondrous piece of bronze artistry, Mustangs of Las Colinas depicts a group of wild horses, or mustangs, galloping through a river. According to the Irving Archives and Museum in Texas, the piece was commissioned by a Dallas entrepreneur, Ben Carpenter, who wanted a sculpture for the Las Colinas Center that reflected “the state’s natural, untamed past.”

Eight years

Kenyan wildlife artist Robert Glen spent a remarkable eight years laboring over the dramatic work — an effort that wasn’t wasted. Here’s the really clever part though: the effect of the water splashing around the horses’ hooves was achieved with a series of strategically-placed fountains. Pretty smart, we think you’ll agree!