Built in 1974 in Wrocław, this statue of Nicolaus Copernicus was erected in memory of the Polish scientist on the 500th anniversary of his birth. Technically the anniversary was in 1973 which was also known as the year of Copernicus in Poland, the statue was unveiled the following year. The author of this statue was professor Leon Podsiadły.

The colorful bow tie shaped in the form of a letter W, as in Wrocław, was the city’s advertising campaign some time ago to promote Wrocław which most recently is competing to become the European Capital of Culture in 2016. These bow ties can often be found on statues around the city and this always makes them look just funny enough to crack a smile.