Everybody is dead but us

Everybody is Dead But Us: Rotterdam’s giant feet

Everybody is Dead But Us is a striking sculpture by Dutch artist Ben Zegers, located on Binnenrotte beside the area where Rotterdam’s market is held.

The artwork consists of two enormous aluminium feet approximately 7.5 metres high. Each one weighs around 2,000 kilos.

The giant feet were not placed here by chance. The sculpture marks a location closely connected with the origins of Rotterdam while also referring to Binnenrotte’s role as one of the city’s main market areas.

Everybody is Dead But Us by Ben Zegers in Rotterdam — One of the enormous feet

A sculpture located where Rotterdam was born

The location of the sculpture has an important historical meaning.

During construction work on the Willemsspoortunnel in 1991, remains of an old dam built around the year 1270 on the River Rotte were discovered in this area.

The settlement that developed beside the dam on the Rotte would eventually give rise to Rotterdam and also to its name: Rotte + dam.

Following the archaeological discovery, it was decided to mark this historic location with a work of public art.

The meaning of Everybody is Dead But Us

For Ben Zegers, Everybody is Dead But Us creates a connection between Rotterdam’s past, present and future.

The enormous feet represent the people who are here now, while the title recalls all the generations who previously occupied the same place.

The artwork can also be interpreted as an invitation to the people of Rotterdam to continue building the city’s future together.

Everybody is Dead But Us: practical information

ℹ️ QUICK INFORMATION
🗿 Artwork	Everybody is Dead But Us
🎨 Artist	Ben Zegers
📏 Height	Approximately 7.5 metres
⚖️ Weight	Approximately 2,000 kg per foot
📍 Location	Binnenrotte, Rotterdam
⭐ Interesting fact	Located close to the place where Rotterdam originated
💶 Admission	Free, public space

Other sculptures in Rotterdam