The city of Lugano in Switzerland has unveiled a unique statue dedicated to the mysterious founder of Bitcoin, known only by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. This installation, introduced at the Plan B conference in Lugano, is notable for its innovative design: the statue appears to vanish when viewed directly from the front, symbolizing Nakamoto’s anonymity and mysterious legacy within the Bitcoin world. This marks only the second statue honoring Nakamoto worldwide, with the first located in Budapest, Hungary.

The new statue in Lugano represents an ongoing effort to celebrate and acknowledge the influence of Bitcoin’s creator, especially in cities where Bitcoin adoption is encouraged. “This statue captures Satoshi’s ephemeral essence,” Bitcoin Magazine reported, adding that the disappearing effect is intended to reflect the enigmatic nature of Nakamoto, whose identity remains unknown.

Lugano has become a significant hub for Bitcoin in recent years, with over 100 merchants accepting Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network. The city has positioned itself as a center for Bitcoin innovation, and the unveiling of the Satoshi statue reinforces this vision. A recent visitor described the city’s Bitcoin-friendly infrastructure as an “incredible experience” that enabled them to use Bitcoin for daily transactions while in Lugano.

While some in the Bitcoin community expressed mixed reactions, with one observer describing the statue as “underwhelming,” the broader consensus appears positive, celebrating the artwork as a fitting homage to Nakamoto’s vision and legacy.

Bitcoin Magazine Article