1. Mount Rushmore, Chongqing, China
Almost every landmark is in some way symbolic of the nation or place from where it originates. This is truer than ever when looking at the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The 60-foot granite sculptures depict beloved US presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln. More than that, the sculptures represent the ideology Americans value in their leaders. It is furthermore a symbol of accomplishment and triumph; its sheer scale an impressive feat for 1941.
It’s a bit more difficult to understand why there exists a smaller scale replica of the famous Mount Rushmore in the Chinese city Chongqing. Already known for their copies of big-brand US and European products, China has also developed a fascination for Western architecture. In fact, there are entire towns filled with monument and landmark replicas, in a trend called ‘duplicature’.
As for Chongqing’s faux Mount Rushmore, some say the replica is a show of gratitude to the Americans who helped China fight the Japanese in the second Sino-Japanese war. Other claim the replicas simply let the people of Chongqing experience sights they otherwise may never have the time or opportunity to experience.
2. Great Sphinx of Giza, Las Vegas, US
Las Vegas is what you might describe as an artificial city. Built from scratch under a short time frame and in the middle of the desert; its history, appeal and architecture is truly unique. The city seems almost designed to induce a sensory overload, with bright lights, visual illusions, exotic animals and famous landmarks from across the globe to be found at every turn in the eccentric gambler’s paradise.
One of those global landmarks Vegas has been famed for recreating is the Great Sphinx of Giza. In its original form, the limestone sculpture is the largest monolith in the world. It depicts the mythical sphinx; a creature with a lion’s body and human face. Believed to have been built by the ancient Egyptians; the sphinx is typically dated as over 4,500 years old.
Vegas’ own Great Sphinx graces the entrance to the Luxor Resort; an Egyptian-themed pyramid hotel on the Strip. You might recognise the name from the many online poker brands that host their tournaments within its pharaoh-style casino. The Luxor, similar in size to the authentic pyramids, is the eighth largest hotel of all time. Breaking records even further, the Luxor can activate the strongest sky beam in the world.
3. Parthenon, Nashville, Tennessee, US
The Nashville Parthenon doesn’t ooze with ancient culture and history like its Athenian original, but is remarkable nonetheless. The full-scale temple was built in 1892 and is the centre piece of a large public park. Inside the replica stands another duplicate – the Athena Parthenos. The statue, like the building, was carefully modelled to accurately replicate the original Parthenon’s beautiful and intrinsic detail. The Parthenon’s Elgin Marbles, for example, are made from direct casts of the original.
Incredibly, authorities had intended to demolish the structure after its initial showcasing at the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Its popularity with locals, and the calculated cost of demolishment, caused them to reconsider. Today, the Nashville Parthenon functions as an art museum and is a popular tourist attraction. At 41ft and 10 inches tall, its own statue of Goddess Athena is one of the largest indoor sculptures in the Western world. The statue took eight years to complete and was only unveiled to the public in 1990.
4. The Statue of Liberty, Odaiba, Japan
From one free nation to another; the Statue of Liberty was France’s gift to the United States as a means of commemorating the Declaration of Independence. Its depiction of Roman goddess Libertas was an iconic and welcoming landmark for immigrants arriving at American shores. Today, it attracts millions of visitors each year – most of whom want to climb its inner stairway and reach the top of the crown. Such a privilege, however, requires booking several months in advance.
The list of Statue of Liberty replicas is so extensive that it has its own Wikipedia article. Many are small-scale and only vaguely similar version, whilst others are near-precise reproductions. In Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, a replica of the statue was built and erected in celebration of Japan’s relationship with France. Though originally intended to stay in Odaiba for just one year, its popularity saw it become a permanent structure.
5. Eiffel Tower, Brussels, Belgium
Just like China, Belgium has developed a name for itself within so called ‘duplicature’. Unlike China, however, Belgium’s monument copies are not spread across different towns. You’ll find replicas of the Eiffel tower, along with Big Ben, the Tower of Pisa, countless famous castles and the European Space Agency gathered together in Belgium’s own ‘Mini Europe’ amusement park.
The theme park, which sees major European landmarks downsized to miniature versions, is designed to be an educational experience for locals and tourists alike. The purpose of the park is also to uphold the ‘spirit’ of Europe; the continent’s unique history and the strong relationships between nations such a history has helped to form.
One of the bigger landmark replicas in Brussels’ ‘Mini Europe’ is the Eiffel Tower, not far from the spherical ‘Atomium’ museum. The replica measures at 13 metres in height – not quite as impressive as the original’s 300 metres, but the subject of great photo opportunities nonetheless.
