About
Neptune Statue
Proudly welcoming local residents and visitors alike, a 34-foot, cast bronze Neptune statue stands at the gateway to Neptune Park and the threshold of the sea.
King of the Sea
Constructed entirely through the generosity of private contributions gathered by the Neptune Festival, this statue is dedicated to the city of Virginia Beach and its citizens. Surrounded by the creatures of his realm, mighty trident in hand, Neptune’s gaze rests affectionately on the shore. His heroic visage honors the maritime legacy of Virginia Beach while also standing as a vivid reminder of the community’s duty to respect and protect our natural blessings.
The statue was dedicated to the City of Virginia Beach on September 30, 2005 during the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend; it now graces the boardwalk at 31st street, overlooking Neptune’s Park.
80
Tons of Clay
25
Tons of Plaster
1
Ton of Glue
7,500
Grinding/Sanding Discs
About the Sculptor
Paul DiPasquale
Artists from around the world were considered before Virginia-based sculptor, Paul DiPasquale was commissioned to create Neptune’s statue.
DiPasquale has created numerous permanent public installations, including the bronze statue of Arthur Ashe on Richmond’s famous Monument Avenue. His work has been exhibited in the United States and Europe and he has earned recognition in major print and media for his insightful creations. He continues to live and work in Richmond, Virginia.
More About Neptune
Honoring the Maritime Legacy of VB
The Neptune Statue stands tall, looking over 31st Street at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach.
The Neptune Statue (including base) stands at 34 feet tall. His head is 6.5 feet tall, with shoulders that are 12 feet across and he weighs a whopping 12.5 tons.
His nautical companions are also large — with two dolphins, stretching 17 and 15 feet across, a loggerhead turtle that is 11 feet in diameter and an octopus that’s 8 feet.
A destination and photo opportunity for locals and visitors alike, the Neptune Statue is an impressive sight!
Production on the statue began in 2003, and it took two years to complete. It took a lot of hard work to turn it into the masterpiece we know and love today!
Neptune Statue Copyright Information:
The statue of King Neptune at Neptune Park was the result of a collaborative effort initiated and coordinated by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. The Festival conceived the idea of erecting such a statue and commissioned the celebrated Richmond sculptor, Paul DiPasquale, to design and create this massive piece of public art. It was funded entirely by private monies raised within the Neptune Festival family and used no public or publicly solicited funding. Working with Mr. DiPasquale and Mr. James Xu of Evergreen Enterprises, a Richmond business, the statue was constructed, then dedicated to the City of Virginia Beach in September during the 2005 Neptune Festival; it now graces the boardwalk at 31st Street & Atlantic Avenue, overlooking Neptune’s Park.
Paul DiPasquale Sculpture, LLC holds the copyright registration in the King Neptune Statue.
“King Neptune: The Making of the Myth”, a documentary about the creation of the statue, was produced by Paul Michels of Coastal Training Technologies Corporation and is the property of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival.
