30 years after their debut, the fate of Michael Jackson's statues varies greatly, with some still proudly displayed while others are hidden away or have fallen into decay.
Where are the Michael Jackson Statues Now? A Journey Through Time and Controversy
Where are the Michael Jackson Statues Now? A Journey Through Time and Controversy
In June 1995, enormous statues of Michael Jackson captivated fans worldwide as part of a promotional campaign for his album HIStory. But where are they now, decades later?
In June 1995, a striking sight appeared on the River Thames in London—a colossal statue of Michael Jackson floated down the iconic river. This 32ft (10m) figure was one of 10 similar statues commissioned to promote Jackson's album "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I." As they traveled with the pop icon during his global tours, these fibreglass creations sparked both interest and debate.
The monumental statues were crafted at Elstree Studios, where artist Stephen Pyle worked alongside a dedicated team. Through technical collaboration and artistry, they produced a lineup of statues designed to resemble Jackson, featuring a unique clay sculpture by Diana Walczak that served as inspiration.
Despite their artistic significance, the current whereabouts of these monumental tributes vary. Some statues stand proudly, still drawing attention, while others have faded from public view.
One prominent figure was prominently displayed at a McDonald's in Best, Netherlands. After being purchased by restaurant owner Peter Van Gelder in 1996, it quickly became a gathering spot for fans who flocked to take pictures and celebrate Jackson’s life and music. However, following the release of the controversial documentary "Leaving Neverland" in 2019, McDonald's executives pressured the owner to remove the statue to maintain a comfortable environment for all patrons. Now the statue rests in a hidden location, with Peter hopeful of finding a new home for it—potentially with a fan club, though last attempts have been met with challenges securing a building permit.
In Austria, another statue found itself in an unexpected location—a now-closed nightclub, Baby’O, located 30 kilometers from Vienna. Owner Franz Josef Zika won the statue at a charity auction in 1998, once using it to attract crowds. However, with the club’s closure, Zika is eager to find a buyer, stating the asking price of €25,000 but facing challenges in securing a buyer due to financial constraints.
Similarly, a statue in Lausanne, Switzerland, formerly a centerpiece of an annual fair called Luna Park, now remains unused and kept out of sight for unspecified reasons.
In Johannesburg, South Africa, a repainted version of a Jackson statue stands in a deserted theme park, Santarama Miniland. Though the attractions are stripped away, the statue remains a peculiar yet nostalgic artifact, as visitors recall its whimsical contrast to the surrounding environment.
Meanwhile, an amusement park in Italy, Europark Idroscalo Milano, revealed a refurbished version of a statue in 2019 but has since placed it up for sale after past controversies surrounding Jackson resurfaced.
As time passes, the legacy of these statues reflects the enduring complexities surrounding the King of Pop's life, marrying artistry with public sentiment—a poignant reminder of a celebrated, yet controversial, cultural icon.
