Verwoeste Stad
De Verwoeste Stad: symbol of Rotterdam’s destruction
De Verwoeste Stad (The Destroyed City) is one of Rotterdam’s most important and symbolic sculptures. The work by Russian-French artist Ossip Zadkine commemorates the destruction of the city centre during the German bombing of Rotterdam on 14 May 1940.
The monumental bronze sculpture depicts a desperate human figure, with its arms raised towards the sky and an enormous void where its heart should be.
This hole symbolises Rotterdam’s lost heart: the historic city centre that was almost completely destroyed as a result of the bombing and the fires that followed.
The history of De Verwoeste Stad
Zadkine found inspiration for this work after witnessing the consequences of the war in cities such as Le Havre and Rotterdam.
The sculpture reflects the impression made on him by a city whose heart had been destroyed. The figure appears to cry out in pain as it looks towards the sky, turning the artwork into a powerful representation of the wounds caused by war.
The bronze sculpture stands approximately six metres high and rests on a natural stone pedestal of around two metres.
Rotterdam’s lost heart
De Verwoeste Stad was unveiled in Rotterdam in 1953 and quickly became one of the main symbols of the city and the memory of the 1940 bombing.
The enormous void in the figure’s chest led to the sculpture becoming known as “Stad zonder Hart” (City without a Heart).
The artwork has also received other popular nicknames among Rotterdam residents, including “Zadkini”, “Jan Gat” and “Jan met de Handjes”.
One of Rotterdam’s most important monuments
Over the years, De Verwoeste Stad has become one of Rotterdam’s main places of remembrance connected with the Second World War.
Every year, during commemorations related to the bombing of the city, the sculpture once again takes on special significance.
In 2010, it was designated a national monument, officially recognising its historical and cultural importance. Today it stands on Plein 1940, close to Leuvehaven and the Maritime Museum, in the heart of Rotterdam.
De Verwoeste Stad: practical information
| ℹ️ QUICK INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| 🎨 Artist | Ossip Zadkine |
| 📅 Year | 1953 |
| 📏 Height | Approximately 6 metres |
| 📍 Location | Plein 1940, Rotterdam |
| 🕊️ Meaning | Bombing and destruction of Rotterdam in 1940 |
| 💶 Admission | Free, public space |
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 | Untitled | Slavernij Monument | Sylvette | Westersingel