The story behind the Neptune Statue on Virginia Beach is rooted in history, mythology, and the local culture of Virginia. Tourists love to get their photos next to it; over the years, it has become a major beach symbol. But once you know its story, you will love it even more.
The Neptune Statue in Virginia: When was it built and why?
So, here’s what happened.
In the early 2000s, people sought an effective way to honor Virginia’s maritime history. The Greek Sea God Neptune statue seemed an excellent way to do this. This also stood as a reminder to preserve the natural treasure.
But building this statue wasn’t so easy. There had to be decent funding and expert architects.
That’s when The Neptune Festival committee collected donations from visitors to build the Neptune statue on Virginia Island. It is located on the boardwalk on 31st Street, overlooking Neptune Park on Virginia Beach.
The statue was dedicated to the City of Virginia Beach on September 30, 2005, during its opening ceremony at the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend. The Neptune Statue on Virginia Beach depicts the history and mythology of the Roman civilization and is a sight to behold for tourists who come to visit the beach
Initially, the statue was opened to the public in 2005 and still stands tall.
Who is Neptune?
You may connect the Neptune Statue with King Triton from Disney’s all-time favorite movie, The Little Mermaid. Well, they are linked, so your guess is correct. However, the statue of Neptune is not inspired by a Disney movie.
Neptune is the god of the sea in Roman religion and mythology. Initially, Romans regarded Neptune as the sea of fresh water, but over time, they regarded him as the god of the sea. He resembles the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon. Neptune is a bearded man holding a Trident, which possesses supernatural power. According to ancient Roman traditions, he can enact storms and control winds.
The Neptune Festival
The Neptune Festival is an annual festival held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. The festival began in 1974 and has taken place ever since. Around 50,000 people attended the first edition of the festival in 1974. The Neptune Festival committee is responsible for managing the affairs and operations of the festival. The festival brings the local community together and builds a stronger bond amongst them. The committee organizes different events and competitions to attract the attention of visitors. The success of the Neptune Festival has even attracted national and even foreign tourists, who attend the festival in large numbers.
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Characteristics of the Neptune Statue on Virginia Beach
The Neptune Statue stands at a height of 34 feet. Neptune has a trident in his right arm. Fishing, lobsters, turtles, dolphins, and octopuses cover the statue’s base. Bronze was used to build the statue. The total mass of the statue is 12.5 tons. The construction of the statue was a complex process. Paul DiPasquale paid a lot of attention to the minute details of the statue. Due to these features, the Neptune Statue stands out, giving it symbolic value. As such, the Neptune statue serves as an attractive tourist site.
Who Designed the Neptune Statue on Virginia Beach
In 2003, Cameron Kitchin, the Director of the Contemporary Arts Center of Virginia Beach, asked Paul DiPasquale to design the model of the Neptune Statue. They liked Paul’s design and asked him to also sculpt the statue. Paul DiPasquale had a history of sculpting other famous statues as well. Another major statue he designed includes the bronze statue of Arthur Ashe on Richmond’s famous Monument Avenue. His craftsmanship has helped him earn global recognition.
Importance of the Neptune Statue
The Neptune Statue reflects the culture and heritage of Virginia. Moreover, the statue is a famous tourist spot promoting Virginia’s tourism industry. This is evident at the time of the Neptune Festival. However, the Neptune Statue faces threats from the harsh climatic conditions. The statue might degrade if left unchecked. As a result, the local population and organizations need to preserve the statue. So far, local organizations and the Neptune Festival committee have successfully maintained and preserved the statue. This act reflects the locals’ dedication to protecting their heritage and culture.
Parting Thoughts
Often, we do not realize the significance of Instagrammable things around us. Knowing the story behind them makes them even more exciting and praiseworthy.
Learn more about Virginia beaches to find other amazing places in the city.
