Twinning with Statues: The Hilarious Art of Awkward Poses Around the World

Travel is about experiencing new cultures, seeing iconic landmarks, and… apparently, striking incredibly awkward poses next to inanimate objects. We’ve all seen them – the valiant attempts to “twin” with statues, monuments, and public art, often resulting in unintentionally hilarious and wonderfully cringe-worthy photographs. Today, we’re celebrating this unique form of travel performance art, showcasing the best (and by best, we mean most awkwardly amazing) attempts to connect with bronze, marble, and everything in between. Get ready to laugh, maybe feel a little embarrassed for humanity (in the best way possible), and perhaps even find inspiration for your next monument mimicry!

Melissa Ridge

4/11/20253 min read

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The "Holding Up the Leaning Tower" Hall of Fame

We’ve already touched on the awkwardness of the Leaning Tower of Pisa pose, but it deserves its own category in the "Twinning with Statues" Olympics. The sheer variety of strained facial expressions, contorted limbs, and the general air of battling an invisible force while trying to look casually supportive is truly a sight to behold. From the subtle lean to the full-on Michael Jackson anti-gravity tilt, the dedication to this awkward art form is… admirable.







Plan your own Leaning Tower pose (and other Italian adventures):

* Tours of Pisa: Get up close and personal with the iconic tower with guided tours from Tiqets.

* Accommodation in Pisa: Find hotels with a view (or at least easy access) to the leaning wonder.

* Car Rentals in Italy: Explore the beauty of Tuscany and beyond with car rentals from Auto Europe or LocalRent.

The "Giving a High-Five to History" Mishaps

There’s a certain charm in wanting to connect with historical figures immortalized in bronze. The high-five seems like a friendly gesture, right? Wrong. Often, the height difference is all wrong, the angle is off, or you end up looking like you’re swatting a giant metal fly. The resulting photos are a testament to good intentions gone hilariously awry. Bonus points if you’re mid-blink or have a look of intense concentration.







Connect (awkwardly) with history around the world:

* Historical Walking Tours: Learn about the figures behind the statues and plan your twinning moment.

* Transportation Options: Use apps like indrive or local public transport to reach historical sites.

The "Mimicking the Majestic" Fails

Some statues exude power, grace, or profound contemplation. Our attempts to mirror this often fall spectacularly short. Trying to replicate the Thinker’s pose usually results in looking like you have a sudden headache. Attempting a heroic equestrian stance without a horse often just looks like you’re doing a very strange dance. The gap between the statue’s intended gravitas and our goofy imitation is where the comedic gold lies.








Find your majestic muse (and prepare for an awkward twin):

* Art Museum Tickets: Explore collections with iconic sculptures and plan your pose.

* Local Guides: Get insights into the meaning behind the art before your awkward recreation.

The "Interactive Art" That Just Looks Weird

Modern art installations often invite interaction. But sometimes, our attempts to engage with these pieces result in photos that are more perplexing than profound. Hugging a strangely shaped metal blob? Peering intensely into a giant, reflective bean? The line between artistic interpretation and utter bewilderment is often thin, and the photographic evidence is wonderfully awkward.









Engage (oddly) with modern art:

* Tickets to Art Installations: Book your visit to unique and interactive art spaces.

* Public Transportation Info: Plan your route to reach these artistic hotspots.

Tips for Your Own Awkward Statue Twinning:

* Embrace the Absurdity: The more awkward, the better!

* Don't Be Afraid to Commit: Go all in with your pose.

* Consider the Angle: Sometimes a slight shift can amplify the awkwardness.

* Get a Friend to Direct (and Laugh): A second pair of eyes can spot comedic potential.

* Take Multiple Shots: Capture the full spectrum of awkwardness.

* Share the Fun! Spread the laughter by sharing your hilarious attempts.

Capture your awkward twinning moments:

* Smartphone with a Good Camera: Essential for documenting your artistic endeavors.

* Portable Tripod: Helps stabilize shots for group awkwardness. Shop for travel tripods online.







Share Your Most Award-Worthy Awkward Statue Photos!

We know you’ve got them lurking in your photo albums! That one picture where you tried to twin with a statue and it went hilariously wrong. Share your most cringe-worthy (and therefore, most amazing) attempts in the comments below! Let’s celebrate the art of awkward travel photography together.








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So, the next time you encounter a statue on your travels, don’t just take a standard tourist shot. Embrace the urge to twin, unleash your inner awkwardness, and create a photo that’s guaranteed to bring a smile (and maybe a slight blush) to everyone who sees it. After all, some of the best travel memories are the ones that make us laugh – even if the joke is slightly on ourselves! Happy (and hilariously awkward) travels!