Attempted theft damages historic Randers bronze sculpture

Someone nearly cut a historic bronze sculpture free from its pedestal at the entrance to Skovbakken, a central city park in Randers, DR reports. The sculpture, En stående Eva, has stood there since 1950.

According to Randers Mayor Rosa Lykke Yde of the Socialist People’s Party, one of the sculpture’s legs was cut through completely, while the other was 80 percent severed.

“Someone was very close to taking it with them. It makes me both angry and sad, because we are talking about a work of art that is part of our shared cultural heritage,” Yde said in a press release.

Randers Municipality has classified the damage as an attempted theft. The incident is believed to have taken place during the night before Thursday and was discovered on Thursday morning. It has been reported to police, and the sculpture is being repaired.

En stående Eva was created by sculptor Johan Galster.

The municipality has installed surveillance cameras in the area and will increase patrols in the park. According to Randers Amtsavis, a bronze bust of King Frederik VII was stolen from the same area in 2025.

“Many of our sculptures have stood in public spaces for generations, and some for more than 100 years. They bring joy and benefit to all residents, and we therefore want our works of art to be left in peace,” said Helga Hjerrild, a cultural consultant at Randers Municipality.