There are some truly strange and wonderful landmarks and tourist attractions around the world and we’re sharing a few of our favourites.
La Pouce, Paris, France
Come to Paris to check out La Pouce, a bronze sculpture of a giant thumb by sculptor César Baldaccini. Standing 12 metres tall and weighing 18 tonnes, this strange work of art was built in 1965 and is smack in the middle of Paris’ business district.
World’s biggest beagle, Idaho, USA
If you like dogs, and beagles in particular, you should plan a trip to see the world’s biggest beagle, otherwise known as the Dog Bark Park Inn. That’s right, this strange attraction is also a beagle-shaped bed and breakfast. The dog itself stands almost four metres and was built in 1997. The beagle motel, referred to as “Sweet Willie”, sleeps four.
Hand of the Desert, Atacama Desert, Chile
Chile’s Atacama Desert is where you’ll find this strange statue of a hand sticking up out of the desert as if a giant is buried beneath. Built by Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal in the early 1980s, the statue is made of iron and cement.
Traffic Light Tree, London, England
French artist Pierre Vivant created the Traffic Light Tree, which is comprised of 75 sets of traffic lights in the shape of a tree and stands eight metres tall. Completed in 1998, the unique piece of art was designed to mimic the surrounding landscape.
Cabazon Dinosaurs, California, USA
Cabazon, California is home to some enormous dinosaurs, one of which, the Apatosaurus, is known as the biggest dinosaur in the world and took 11 years to build. The other dinosaur, a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex took seven years to build. The dinosaurs are referred to as Dinny and Mr. Rex, and make quite the impression for drivers on Interstate 10.
The Big Lobster, Kingston SE, South Australia
Built in 1979, Kingston’s Big Lobster is a tourist attraction standing 17 metres and weighing four tonnes. The giant, red spiny lobster (known as Larry) is made from fibreglass and steel, and was built by artist Paul Kelly.
Carhenge, Nebraska, USA
You’ve heard of Stonehenge, but have you heard of Carhenge? The odd recreation of Stonehenge is made up of vintage American cars and was built by Jim Reinders in 1987. Thirty-eight cars, all painted grey, were used in the recreation, which has roughly the same proportions as the original.
Foamhenge, Virginia, USA
If Stonehenge made from old cars doesn’t intrigue you, maybe a true-to-size replica made from foam will pique your interest. Sculptor Mark Cline created the exact replica entirely from giant slabs of Styrofoam that look like stone.
Lead photo: Jeff Wright
