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Sarasota, Florida
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The statue is based on the iconic V-J Day photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, capturing a moment of spontaneous joy at the end of World War II.
Standing at 26 feet, the statue's towering height is meant to symbolize the larger-than-life emotions of victory and relief at the war's end.
The statue was created by Seward Johnson, an artist known for his life-like sculptures that often capture moments of everyday life.
Before finding its home in Sarasota, the statue was displayed in several cities, including San Diego and New York, making it a well-traveled piece of art.
Some critics argue that the statue romanticizes an unsolicited kiss, sparking debates about consent and historical context.
