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.
80
Tons of Clay
25
Tons of Plaster
1
Ton of Glue
7,500
Grinding/Sanding Discs
King of the Sea
Bringing Neptune to Life
Creating the Neptune Statue was more than a sculptural feat—it was a collaborative, international effort that combined community spirit, artistic mastery, and engineering precision. Here’s a closer look at how the beloved ocean god came to grace the Virginia Beach boardwalk.
Selecting 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.
Coming Together
A Community Gift
After the design was selected, the challenge became funding. Local businessman and King Neptune XXXII, Morgan Davis, led a fast-moving fundraising campaign that raised all the necessary funds—entirely through private donations—in just 120 days.
When the team presented the project to Virginia Beach City Council, they surprised officials with the news that no city money was needed. The statue would be a gift from the community, and it was met with astonishment and gratitude.
Sculpting a Masterpiece
The Creation Process
Sculptor Paul DiPasquale partnered with longtime friend James Xu to bring the vision to life. After domestic foundries declined due to the statue’s size, they turned to a foundry in China, where the ancient lost-wax bronze casting technique was used to create the massive work of art.
The process began with a clay model, followed by intricate mold-making, wax casting, and finally pouring molten bronze into the final form. Originally planned at 15 feet tall, the statue ultimately grew to 34 feet and had to be built in sections for shipping.
Engineering Marvel
Transport & Assembly
Reassembly on the boardwalk was a feat of engineering. One of the most memorable moments came when Neptune’s head was lifted into place—a moment welders had anticipated for weeks.
To secure the massive sculpture, engineers drove a steel beam 30 feet into the sand, surrounded it with concrete, and built an internal skeleton to stabilize the statue against hurricane-force winds. On August 20, 2005, the mayor of Ningbo, China—a city instrumental in the statue’s creation—visited Virginia Beach to witness the installation.
A Lasting Legacy
The Unveiling
Just in time for the annual Neptune Festival and Boardwalk Weekend, the statue was completed and unveiled on September 30, 2005. Standing 34 feet tall and weighing more than 12 tons, the Neptune Statue quickly became a beloved symbol of coastal pride and cultural unity.
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.
Want to dive deeper into the Statue Story?
See behind-the-scenes photos and even more creation details in the Neptune Festival 50th Anniversary Coffee Table Book, available for purchase here!
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.