Santa Claus
Santa Claus: Rotterdam’s famous gnome statue
Santa Claus, created by American artist Paul McCarthy, is probably one of the most controversial and recognisable sculptures in Rotterdam.
The sculpture depicts Santa Claus holding an object that officially combines a Christmas tree with other elements. However, its unusual shape quickly led to another interpretation among Rotterdam residents: a sex toy.
This gave rise to its popular nickname “Kabouter Buttplug”, roughly meaning “Buttplug Gnome”. This unusual Rotterdam gnome statue is still widely known by that nickname among locals.
A Christmas tree or a sex toy?
The ambiguity of the sculpture is intentional and forms part of Paul McCarthy’s provocative artistic style.
The artist has explained that the work plays with different visual associations and with the relationship between Christmas, consumption and sexuality. The object held by Santa Claus can be interpreted as a Christmas tree, but its shape deliberately allows other interpretations.
The sculpture caused intense debate in Rotterdam. While some considered it funny and provocative, others thought it was too vulgar for such a prominent place in public space.
A sculpture nobody knew where to place
The city of Rotterdam purchased Santa Claus for around €180,000 for its International Sculpture Collection.
It was initially intended to be placed near the De Doelen concert hall, but the controversy surrounding the work led the city to look for other locations.
In 2005, it was temporarily installed in the courtyard of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. Placing it in the Koopgoot shopping area was also considered, but the idea met with opposition from retailers and property owners.
Eventually, Santa Claus found its permanent location on Eendrachtsplein, where it has become one of Rotterdam’s most unusual and frequently photographed works of public art.
A criticism of consumer society
Beyond the controversy surrounding its appearance, Santa Claus also contains a criticism of consumer society.
Christmas is one of the times of year when people spend and give the most. McCarthy uses the universal figure of Santa Claus to connect the desire to own objects with consumption, pleasure and the excesses of modern society.
Over the years, the sculpture has gone from being rejected by many people to becoming a well-known image of Rotterdam and a good example of the bold character of the city’s public art.
Santa Claus: practical information
| ℹ️ QUICK INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| 🗿 Artwork | Santa Claus |
| 🎨 Artist | Paul McCarthy |
| 🏷️ Nickname | Kabouter Buttplug |
| 📍 Location | Eendrachtsplein, Rotterdam |
| 💰 Cost | Approximately €180,000 |
| 💶 Admission | Free, public space |
Westersingel sculpture route
Santa Claus forms part of the collection of sculptures located along Westersingel, one of the best places in central Rotterdam to discover outdoor art.
The route continues from Eendrachtsplein towards Westzeedijk and allows you to see works by Dutch and international artists while exploring the city centre on foot.
Other sculptures in Rotterdam
Cascade | De Boeg | De Reus | Delftsche Poort | Erasmus | Everybody is dead but us | Fikkie | Gevallenen | Maasbeeld | Marathonbeeld | Marten Toonder | Untitled | Slavernij Monument | Sylvette | Verwoeste Stad | Westersingel