If you are nevertheless walking through the center of Rotterdam, looking for art on the street, then definitely visit one of our most historic art images. On square 1940 is the statue 'The destroyed city' by the French (originally Belarusian) artist Ossip Zadkine. He made the sculpture following the bombing of Rotterdam during the 2e World War.
Allegedly Zadkine's inspiration for the statue came when he was on the train from France and saw the wiped out center of Rotterdam. The image of a man without a heart and with his hands in the air almost immediately evokes strong emotions. Pain, dismay and powerlessness to name a few.
Discussie
The location of the sculpture has led to a discussion (just like at the Kabouter Buttplug) and the mood rose high. 'The destroyed city' was a gift from the Bijenkorf management, which made it a condition that the statue would always be on the square. In 1975 and 2005 the image was temporarily moved due to construction work.
But in 2016 there was an initiative to place the statue on the square in front of the new Central Station, because it would be put under pressure by the new high-rise buildings around the square. Great discussions between Rotterdammers and supporters and opponents in Rotterdam politics were the result. Special discussion evenings were organized and it was finally decided that the image would remain.
Did you know…?
Did you know that metro stop Beurs is the most visited public transport transfer point in Rotterdam. Even more than at Rotterdam Central Station, more than 100.000 people transfer from one metro line to another here every day.
TIP:
Around the corner you will find the Maritime Museum with harbor models, sea charts, water troughs and a fleet of historic ships, some of which are accessible. The Maritime Museum shows the impact of shipping in our daily lives, how Rotterdam became a world port, and lets you smell the gritty romance on board. Buy a ticket directly through our app!
