Maasbeeld

Maasbeeld: the sculpture floating above the River Maas

Maasbeeld is one of Rotterdam’s most unusual works of public art. Created by Dutch artist Auke de Vries, it stretches approximately 182 metres above the Nieuwe Maas, beside the Willemsbrug.

Unlike a traditional sculpture, Maasbeeld does not stand on a pedestal. The artwork is suspended by cables between the Willemsbrug and one of the remaining pillars of the former railway bridge across the river.

Its unusual location makes the sculpture appear to float above the water, becoming part of the landscape of the river and the bridge.

An artwork created for the Willemsbrug

The origins of Maasbeeld are closely connected with the Willemsbrug.

During the development of the new bridge, Rotterdam’s Municipal Works Department asked Auke de Vries to contribute his artistic vision to the project. As well as advising on the colour of the Willemsbrug, the possibility of creating a work of art to accompany the bridge was explored.

De Vries did not initially take part in the competition to design an artwork for this location. However, he was later given the opportunity to develop his own proposal and eventually created a sculpture completely integrated into its surroundings.

A sculpture that moves with the river

Maasbeeld consists of cables and various metal elements in geometric shapes, including a sphere, a ring, a square and other steel pieces.

These elements are suspended above the water and can move slightly depending on the wind and the movement of the river, almost as if they were objects hanging from an enormous washing line.

Even the water level forms part of the artwork. When the river reaches a high level, the large sphere can become partially submerged.

In this way, Maasbeeld is constantly changing and creates a direct relationship between the sculpture, the Nieuwe Maas, the Willemsbrug and Rotterdam’s urban landscape.

Maasbeeld: practical information

Other sculptures in Rotterdam

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