Sculptures
Sculptures and public art in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a true open-air museum and one of the European cities with a remarkable collection of sculptures and public artworks. Streets, squares, parks and waterfront promenades are home to dozens of works created by internationally renowned artists. Many can be discovered simply by walking through the city centre, Museumpark or along Westersingel, without setting foot inside a museum.
From historic monuments to contemporary installations, art is an integral part of Rotterdam’s urban landscape, turning a walk through the city into a cultural experience.
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
Rotterdam has one of the most important collections of public art in the Netherlands. Many sculptures are spread throughout the city centre and can be seen free of charge while exploring Rotterdam on foot.
During the post-war reconstruction, Rotterdam used its newly created urban spaces to introduce large-scale sculptures and contemporary artworks, creating a cityscape where architecture and art naturally coexist.
Gevallenen
Two men, a woman, and a child symbolize the mood of the postwar years in the city of Rotterdam.
Maasbeeld
A 182 meters long, Maasbeeld is an immense work of art located on the Maas River next to the Willemsbrug Bridge.
Marten Toonder
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 the best places to discover public art in Rotterdam is the Westersingel Sculpture Route (Beeldenroute), an open-air art route between Rotterdam Centraal and Museumpark.
Along approximately one kilometre, you can see sculptures by internationally renowned artists including Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, Joel Shapiro, Carel Visser and Umberto Mastroianni. It is one of the city’s most interesting cultural walks and can easily be explored on foot.
RUTAS
Westersingel
Beeldenroute (The Sculpture Route)
art walk
Historic and contemporary sculptures
Rotterdam’s sculptures represent many different periods and artistic styles. Some are closely connected to the city’s history, while others stand out for their innovative design or the message behind the artwork.
Among the best-known works are the Statue of Erasmus, one of the oldest public statues in the Netherlands; Paul McCarthy’s controversial Santa Claus; Ossip Zadkine’s moving De Verwoeste Stad (The Destroyed City); and the striking Cascade by Atelier Van Lieshout.
Santa Claus
The artist created a Santa Claus with a Christmas tree in his hand, but it looks like it carries a sex toy.
Untitled
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.
These works have inspired both admiration and controversy, but they have undoubtedly become an important part of Rotterdam’s artistic landscape.
RUTAS
Everybody is dead but us
Marks the place of origin
of the city of Rotterdam
Rotterdam International Sculpture Collection: A project that defines the city
Many of the sculptures found throughout Rotterdam form part of the Rotterdam International Sculpture Collection, an extensive public art collection with works displayed across different areas of the city.
The collection helps preserve and promote public sculpture while bringing art directly into Rotterdam’s streets and public spaces, reinforcing the city’s reputation as an international centre for contemporary art and urban culture.
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.
Rotterdam’s public sculpture collection reflects the enormous variety of art found throughout the city. From historic monuments to abstract and contemporary works, each piece offers a different perspective on Rotterdam and reflects its innovative, creative and international character.
Marathon-beeld
Its colors represent the multitude of nationalities in the Rotterdam Marathon.
Verwoeste 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: An open-air museum
Rotterdam proves that art does not always have to be found inside a museum. Its streets, squares, parks and waterfront promenades form an open-air gallery where historic sculptures, memorials and contemporary works by international artists coexist.
Whether you are passionate about sculpture or simply enjoy discovering unusual places while travelling, Rotterdam’s public art is well worth including in your route through the city.