Sculptures
Sculptures and Public Art in Rotterdam: An Open-Air Art City
Rotterdam is one of the most important cities in Europe when it comes to public art.
It’s home to an impressive number of outdoor sculptures and statues, giving art lovers a special kind of experience.
From traditional sculptures to modern pieces, Rotterdam has become a top-tier art hub, with works scattered all across the city.
Cascade
An eight-meter sculpture composed of a tower of eighteen oil drums and human figures.
De Boeg
Monument in memory of the dutch people who lost their lives at sea during World War II.
Erasmus
This bronze sculpture of Erasmus is the oldest statue in the Netherlands.
Public art in Rotterdam: A must-see destination for sculpture lovers
Rotterdam is known for its international collection of public sculptures, found throughout various central parts of the city.
What makes Rotterdam special is the large number of sizable sculptures placed in open public spaces.
This might be thanks to the wide-open areas left behind after World War II, which allowed the city to create spaces perfectly suited for displaying large works of art.
Gevallenen
Two men, a woman, and a child symbolize the mood of the postwar years in the city of Rotterdam.
Maasbeeld
At 182 meters high, Maasbeeld is an immense work of art located on the Maas River next to the Willemsbrug Bridge.
Marten Tonder
The statue is a gift for the 90th birthday of the famous Dutch comic book artist Marten Toonder.
The Sculpture Route in Westersingel
One of Rotterdam’s top art attractions is the Sculpture Route, which runs along the Westersingel canal near Central Station.
Along this nearly one-kilometer stretch, visitors can admire sculptures by internationally renowned artists like Rodin, Picasso, Joel Shapiro, Carel Visser, and Umberto Mastroianni.
It’s a great example of how public art in Rotterdam blends seamlessly into the urban environment, offering a unique experience to everyone who passes by.
RUTAS
Westersingel
Beeldenroute (The Sculpture Route)
art walk
Classic and contemporary sculptures
Alongside modern sculptures, Rotterdam is also home to some of the oldest statues in the Netherlands.
A standout example is the statue of Erasmus, located in Grotekerkplein next to the Sint Laurenskerk.
This bronze sculpture, dating back to 1622, is the oldest in the country and stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural history.
Santa Claus
The artist created a Santa Claus with a Christmas tree in his hand, but it looks like it carries an anal dildo.
Without name
This work is one of the pioneers in the integration of modern sculpture into 20th-century culture.
Slavernij
The monument to slavery, by artist Alex da Silva, commemorates Rotterdam’s history of slavery.
Rotterdam International Sculpture Collection: a defining project for the city
Rotterdam is proud to be the home of the Rotterdam International Sculpture Collection, which includes around 65 sculptures spread throughout the city.
This international project has turned Rotterdam into a true open-air museum of public art.
The sculptures in this collection are managed by Sculpture International Rotterdam (SIR), an organization focused on preserving and promoting public art in the city.
RUTAS
Everybody is dead but us
Marks the place of origin
from the city of Rotterdam
On the flip side, modern sculptures like Santa Claus by Paul McCarthy or the striking Cascade by Atelier van Lieshout continue to surprise and challenge visitors with their originality and critical edge.
These works not only spark admiration but also stir up debate, yet they’re undeniably a key part of Rotterdam’s artistic landscape.
Sylvette
Concrete sculpture by Pablo Picasso in collaboration with artist Carl Nesjar.
De Reus
This bronze statue depicts Rigardus Rijnhout, the giant of Rotterdam.
Fikkie
Fikkie is a small bronze dog created by Hungarian artist Joekie Simak.
These sculptures reflect the diversity and creativity of artists from all over the world.
Each piece tells a unique story that adds value to the experience of being in the city. From figurative works to bold abstractions, these sculptures capture the spirit of a constantly evolving city.
Marathon-beeld
Its colors represent the multitude of nationalities in the Rotterdam Marathon.
Werwoeste Stad
A work of art depicting the mood in the city of Rotterdam after the German bombings.
Delftsche – Poort
Steel reconstruction of what was once one of the entrances to the city of Rotterdam.
Public art in Rotterdam: more than a city, It’s an cpen-air museum
Rotterdam is one of the best places for those who love high-quality public art. From historic sculptures to the most modern and avant-garde, the city offers a wide variety of styles and forms.
If you’re into sculpture or modern art, Rotterdam will surprise you with the sheer number of statues and sculptures out in the open.
If you’re visiting the city, make sure to spend some time exploring its amazing outdoor art collection—it’s like walking through a museum without walls.