Monument voor alle gevallenen 1940 1945

Monument voor alle Gevallenen: a tribute to the victims of war

Monument voor alle Gevallenen is a Rotterdam monument dedicated to the victims of the Second World War. It is located on Stadhuisplein, very close to the City Hall and Coolsingel, in the heart of the city.

The monument was created by Dutch sculptor Mari Andriessen and unveiled in 1957. The composition consists of four bronze figures — two men, a woman and a child — representing the feelings of Dutch society during the difficult years following the war.

The meaning of the four figures

Each of the figures has a symbolic meaning. The woman represents grief for the past, while the man holding a shovel symbolises the future and the reconstruction of Rotterdam after the destruction of the war.

The second man and the child create a link between the past and the future. The monument also features the Dutch words for Past, Present and Future, reinforcing its message of remembrance and hope.

Sterker door strijd

The inscription “Sterker door strijd” can be seen on the pedestal. It can be translated approximately as “Stronger through struggle” and is the official motto of Rotterdam.

The motto was granted to the city after the Second World War in recognition of the courage shown by its inhabitants during the war and the subsequent reconstruction of Rotterdam.

Another side of the pedestal features a poem by Dutch writer Clara Eggink. Her words commemorate those who lost their lives while also conveying a message of reconstruction, freedom and hope for future generations.

Monument voor alle Gevallenen: practical information

Other sculptures in Rotterdam

Cascade | De Boeg | De Reus | Delftsche Poort | Erasmus | Everybody is dead but us | Fikkie | Maasbeeld | Marathonbeeld | Marten Toonder | Santa Claus | Untitled | Slavernij Monument | Sylvette | Verwoeste Stad | Westersingel