There seems to be more people interested in taking photos of the Kissing Statue than the ships at the Maritime Museum in San Diego. I cannot blame them. The Kissing Statue is indeed an eye-catcher for anyone taking a stroll along San Diego’s seaport.

The giant statue was sculpted by J. Seward Johnson and was called “Unconditional Surrender.” It was based from a photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt taken in New York City’s Times Square on August 14, 1945 just after WWII ended — the kiss was a celebratory gesture of a U.S. Navy sailor after the United States was victorious over Japan. I’ve read that the 25-foot sculpture isn’t actually unique to San Diego. There are other versions installed in Hamilton, New Jersey; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Normandy, France.

The statue weighs over 6,000 pounds. It is made of bronze and depicts the sailor dipping the nurse backwards in a romantic pose as he kisses her. The statue has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who often gather around it to take photos and enjoy the view of San Diego Bay.

While the statue has been controversial due to its depiction of a non-consensual kiss and questions over whether it accurately represents the historic moment, it has also become a beloved landmark and a symbol of San Diego’s strong ties to the military. It is located in close proximity to the USS Midway Museum, a popular attraction that honors the history of the U.S. Navy in San Diego.

Address & Phone.

Beside the USS Midway Museum
North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California, 92101

Hours.

Open daily

Admission fee.

Free

See also: My other travel adventures in the USA.

See also: List of National Parks.

The “Unconditional Surrender” statue is a unique and memorable destination that offers visitors a chance to see a famous moment in history brought to life in a striking and larger-than-life form. Whether viewed as a romantic gesture or a piece of controversial art, the statue remains an important and recognizable landmark in the city of San Diego.