Freddie Mercury

The Freddie Mercury Statue in Montreux is a three-metre bronze figure standing on the shore of Lake Geneva, in the Swiss canton of Vaud. With one fist raised toward the water, it has been a landmark of the lakefront since late 1996. Queen fans treat it as a pilgrimage stop, and it makes an easy, free detour for anyone strolling the promenade.

Who made the statue, and when?

Czech-born sculptor Irena Sedlecká created the work. The bronze stands roughly three metres tall and was unveiled in November 1996, five years after the singer's death. Mercury is shown mid-performance, one arm thrust overhead, holding the microphone stand the way audiences remember from his concerts.

Why Montreux?

Mercury loved this stretch of Switzerland and called it a refuge. Queen recorded here at Mountain Studios, housed in the town's casino building, and the band's final sessions with him took place in Montreux shortly before he died in November 1991. A free exhibition in the Casino Barrière now recreates the studio.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The statue stands on Place du Marché, right on the lakeside promenade in front of the old covered market. From the town centre it is a few minutes on foot downhill toward the water. Montreux sits on the railway line along Lake Geneva, and the station is a short walk from the shoreline. Access is free and the statue can be visited at any hour.

What else is nearby?

• the lakeside promenade, with views across the water to the Savoy Alps,
• the Queen exhibition inside the casino, a few hundred metres away,
• Chillon Castle, a few kilometres further along the shore,
• cafes and seasonal market stalls along the quay.

When should you visit?

The statue is open to visitors year-round. Morning and late-afternoon light gives the best photos, with the lake behind the figure. Fans gather in large numbers in early September for the annual Freddie Mercury Montreux Memorial Day, and again in November around the anniversary of his death. Flowers and small tributes from visitors around the world often pile up at its base.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The statue stands on a public promenade and is free to see at any time.

How long does a visit take? A photo stop takes about fifteen minutes. Add a promenade walk and the Queen exhibition in the casino, and plan on roughly two hours.

Is there a Queen museum nearby? Yes. The Casino Barrière hosts a free exhibition with a recreated Mountain Studio, a short walk from the statue.

Who sculpted it? Irena Sedlecká, and it was unveiled in November 1996.