Untitled

Naum Gabo’s sculpture in Rotterdam

Beside the De Bijenkorf department store, in the heart of Coolsingel, stands one of Rotterdam’s most distinctive sculptures: the monumental untitled work by Russian artist Naum Gabo.

Created in 1957, the sculpture stands approximately 26 metres high and weighs around 40 tonnes. Its enormous metal structure contrasts with the buildings surrounding it and has become a familiar sight in the centre of Rotterdam.

Gabo never gave the work an official title, as he wanted to leave its interpretation open. For this reason, the sculpture is simply known as Naum Gabo’s Untitled sculpture.

A sculpture inspired by nature

Naum Gabo was inspired by the structures of trees and plants when creating the form of the sculpture. Despite its enormous size and predominantly metal construction, the work conveys a surprising sense of lightness thanks to its open structure.

Gabo wanted to avoid imposing a specific interpretation and preferred each person to find their own meaning in the work. The artist did, however, state that the sculpture represented the strength and energy of the Dutch people.

The work is considered an important example of the integration of modern sculpture into the urban environment during the 20th century.

From “The Tree” to “The Thing”

Rotterdam residents soon began inventing their own names for a sculpture that officially had none.

Because of its unusual shape, it received nicknames such as “the tree” and “the flower”, while another popular name that came into use was simply “the thing”.

Over the decades, Naum Gabo’s work has become part of the urban landscape of Coolsingel and one of Rotterdam’s most recognisable examples of modern outdoor art.

Naum Gabo and the reconstruction of Rotterdam

The sculpture was installed in 1957, during the reconstruction of Rotterdam following the Second World War.

Its location beside the new De Bijenkorf building helped reinforce the image of a city embracing modern architecture and contemporary art as it created a new urban identity.

Today, more than half a century later, the artwork remains in practically the same location on Coolsingel and continues to be one of the most distinctive monumental sculptures in central Rotterdam.

Naum Gabo sculpture: practical information

Other sculptures in Rotterdam

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