Rotterdam in the Netherlands is Europe’s largest seaport, but with a history that goes back to the 13th century, the culture that can be experienced in the large monuments and landmarks located throughout the city spans multiple eras. However, there are numerous landmarks and sculptures of all sizes that celebrate the legacy of Rotterdam and beyond.
The Marathon Sculpture was installed in 2001, just before the twentieth Marathon of Rotterdam took place. Designed by artist Henk Visch, the 18-foot landmark displays twenty distinct colors to represent the milestone as well as the names of all male and female runners who have ever won the Rotterdam marathon. Additionally, the location provides audiences with an incredible view of the Erasmus bridge
Santa Claus by artist Paul McCarthy is a large bronze sculpture that was purchased by the city of Rotterdam in 2003. It resided in various locations until 2008 when it was installed on the Binnenwegplein. Designed to be a purposeful combination of ‘high’ with ‘low’ culture, many thought it was a tasteless piece that didn’t belong in the city but it continues to attract attention and is photographed hundreds of times per day.
Cascade is a sculpture by Atelier Van Lieshout that depicts a number of stacked oil drums. What looks to be liquid seeps out of many of the drums to form abstract humanoid shapes, some of which appear to be moving up the column. The oil barrels refer to the port of Rotterdam, although the literal barrels and abstract figures can be interpreted in many different ways.
The Caland Monument is dedicated to water management engineer Pieter Caland who invented the water street that enabled the port of Rotterdam to grow strongly at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Completed in 1907, the piece was moved to its current location in 1939. The base of the piece serves as an overflow basin for a number of water basins and is topped by a winged female figure that holds a Mercury staff. This figure has become an icon of Rotterdam.
These are just a few of the obscure and outstanding monuments located across Rotterdam. The city contains many other sculptures and landmarks that are inherently linked to the history and culture of the region. These connections have enabled engagement with both residents and visitors, highlighting what it can mean for such pieces to open up opportunities that benefit individuals and entire communities.
