Recently, Lugano, Switzerland, revealed an impressive statue honoring Bitcoin’s enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. This unique piece, featuring a “disappearing” design, comes from Italian artist Valentina Picozzi. She spent over 18 months studying and three months building it. Located in front of the historic Villa Ciani, the statue symbolizes Satoshi and Lugano’s commitment to becoming a blockchain innovation hub.
A Unique Design Celebrating Bitcoin
Crafted from 304 stainless steel and corten block, the statue depicts a faceless figure working on a laptop, representing Satoshi’s anonymity. Viewers can see the statue clearly from specific angles. From the sides, the figure appears, but from the front and back, the design looks transparent due to its slit structure.
Picozzi, who works under the Satoshigallery handle on X, explained, “It took 18 months to study how to bring the concept of disappearing to life, along with the idea of ‘we are all Satoshi’ by positioning yourself behind the statue.” She hopes this piece connects people with Bitcoin culture, adding a personal touch to this innovative technology.
Since discovering Bitcoin in 2012, Picozzi has engaged with the Bitcoin community. As an artist and orthodontist, she uses her unique perspective to promote Bitcoin’s ideals through visual art. She unveiled her latest creation during the Plan B forum, an annual event that attracts blockchain leaders, government officials, and crypto enthusiasts to Lugano.
Mayor of Lugano: “A Symbol of Innovation”
The unveiling’s significance grew with remarks from Mayor Michele Foletti, who expressed support for blockchain innovation in the city. Foletti remarked, “Lugano is swiftly becoming a key hub for digital innovation. This statue not only pays tribute to Satoshi Nakamoto but also symbolizes the forward-thinking spirit that drives our city.”
Plan B, a partnership between Lugano and stablecoin issuer Tether, aims to integrate blockchain technology as the foundation for transforming Lugano’s financial landscape. The city embraces Bitcoin, earning the label “Bitcoin City.”
Picozzi highlighted the importance of this progressive environment, saying, “We need to celebrate that we can find open-minded politicians like Michele Foletti; come and verify yourself!”
The Future of the Disappearing Statue
According to Picozzi, the statue’s current location at Parco Ciani may change due to ongoing city works. However, it will remain part of the park’s permanent collection. “As soon as I have the final location, I will share it with the community,” she said, hinting that the statue’s journey is as open-ended as Satoshi’s identity.
A Growing Trend: Satoshi Statues Worldwide
This statue is not the first tribute to Satoshi Nakamoto. In Budapest’s Graphisoft Park, another statue crafted in bronze features a mirrored face, allowing viewers to see themselves reflected in it. Sculptors Gergely Réka and Tamás Gilly designed this piece to symbolize that anyone could be Satoshi, reflecting Bitcoin’s decentralized philosophy.
Lugano’s new statue adds to the growing trend of honoring Bitcoin’s elusive creator. It symbolizes the shared community around cryptocurrency and inspires a new generation of blockchain enthusiasts.
I am Toby Rothschild, Co-Founder of Spearmint and author at Coinography, and a strategist focused on advancing Web3 innovation, digital ecosystems, and the future of decentralized technology. I combine product thinking, creative leadership, and deep interest in emerging trends to help shape how individuals and organizations interact with the next generation of digital systems.
My work centers on understanding how blockchain, AI, and digital identity are reshaping global industries. At Spearmint, I help lead the direction of initiatives that bring clarity, structure, and meaningful user experiences to complex technological environments. I focus on bridging vision with execution, ensuring that innovation remains practical, scalable, and aligned with long-term growth.
As an author at Coinography, I create insights that translate fast-moving Web3 developments into clear, useful narratives. I explore topics such as decentralized governance, digital identity, creator economies, token models, protocol design, and the shifting cultural patterns around emerging technology. My aim is to make digital transformation more understandable and approachable for a wider audience.
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