The Story
In a city shaped by water and history, the mermaid has become a symbol of Norfolk itself. What began as a public art initiative grew into a beloved coastal icon, with more than 100 mermaids standing across neighborhoods, storefronts, and waterfront paths.
They make art accessible to everyone. They invite exploration. They spark conversation. They support local businesses and strengthen tourism. Most importantly, they connect generations through a shared civic identity.
Norfolk’s mermaids are more than sculptures. They are a living, visual story of the city.
The Opportunity
Today, their stories are scattered. There is no central directory, no interactive map, no permanent artist archive, no unified storytelling platform, or no lasting digital recognition for partners and sponsors.
Norfolk has the art. Now it needs the digital home. This is the opportunity to bring every mermaid together, celebrate the artists behind them, and give sponsors meaningful, permanent visibility.
These mermaids deserve more than a passing glance. They deserve a platform.
The Plan
Imagine a city-wide experience built around discovery. Families plan a “Mermaid Weekend,” mapping out stops across neighborhoods and waterfront paths. Visitors track statues like a coastal treasure hunt, turning exploration into adventure. Businesses are featured as proud sponsors, gaining meaningful visibility. Artists receive proper credit and lasting recognition for their work. Schools use the platform as a creative tool to teach art, history, and civic pride.
This is more than a website. It becomes Norfolk’s digital art trail.
Become an Exclusive Founding Partner
Founding Sponsor Level
Logo on homepage
Featured mermaid page sponsorship
Press release recognition
Permanent listing as project partner
Individual Mermaid Page Sponsor
Sponsor logo on that mermaid’s profile
Link to business
Recognition copy
Community Partner
Supporter listing
Social media recognition
The Idea of the Mermaid
The Norfolk Mermaid is the official symbol of Norfolk, Virginia, initiated in 1999 by Pete Decker to represent the city's maritime heritage. Over 100 uniquely designed mermaid sculptures, sculpted by Georgia Mason and based on a Brooke Benham design, are located throughout the city, often sponsored by local businesses. Key details about the Norfolk Mermaids:
Origin: Inspired by Chicago's "Cows on Parade" the idea was proposed by Bess Decker.
Locations: Mermaids can be found downtown, at Town Point Park, in neighborhoods, schools, and at various local businesses.
Design: The original sculptures are cast in bronze by Kevin Gallup.
Interactive Map: The City of Norfolk provides an online interactive map to locate them.
Significance: They represent a "playful" image for the city, moving away from purely historical marketing.
History of the Norfolk Mermaids
Mermaids have graced the city of Norfolk for twenty years now. Norfolk attorney Peter Decker (1936 to 2012), known as "Uncle Pete" throughout the community, introduced the idea of Mermaids on Parade at a breakfast with 300 business and civic leaders at Nauticus on November 30, 1999. The idea is credited to his wife Bess who was inspired during a visit to Chicago at the height of that city's Cows on Parade.
Through a public/private partnership, the Norfolk community pulled off a major event, "Mermaids on Parade," in a short period of time. It was a huge success. Sculptor Kevin Gallup mass-produced 130 fiberglass mermaid castings for artists to decorate. Business and community leaders from Norfolk and beyond "adopted" mermaids at $2,000 each that were auctioned off during the event.
Today mermaids are found throughout the City, downtown and in many neighborhoods. Some are old, some are new. They live in front of businesses, schools, hospitals, and homeowners' yards. Thanks to the Norfolk Sister City Association and other special events, there are mermaids all over the world. Some have had to be completely redone due to damage by the elements or unfortunately by vandals. Norfolk artist Georgia Mason creates new mermaids for organizations, individuals, and businesses. But one thing has remained since their appearance: they are truly loved by young and old, visitors and residents alike.
If you spot a mermaid, please post with our #NorfolkMermaids and #NorfolkOpenData