Santa Claus, Bronze sculpture at Eendrachtsplein, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Description
Santa Claus is a bronze figure at Eendrachtsplein in Rotterdam that depicts a bearded man holding a conical object and rises about 6 meters (20 feet) tall. The dark patinated surface contrasts against the surrounding facades and immediately draws the eye.
History
Paul McCarthy created this bronze sculpture in 2001 with the intent to question Christmas symbols critically. After its installation, the figure changed locations several times in Rotterdam as residents and city authorities debated its depiction.
Culture
The piece brings contemporary American art perspectives into the Dutch cityscape and shows how public space serves as a platform for dialogue. Passersby often pause to view the monument from different angles and discuss its meaning.
Practical
The figure stands freely accessible on a square served by tram lines 7, 20, and 23, making it easy to reach. Visitors can view the object up close and walk around it to grasp its shape fully.
Did you know?
The conical object in the hand of the figure has led viewers to puzzle over the true intent of the artist. Some see a Christmas tree in it, while others recognize a provocative reversal of festive iconography.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Rotterdam).
Sonneveld House
176 m
Rotown
119 m
Paradijskerk
145 m
Fikkie
134 m
Koos Speenhoff
20 m
Guard
145 m
Qwertz
185 m
The Great Musician
160 m
Westersingel 41
141 m
Eendrachtsweg 23, Rotterdam
185 m
Eendrachtsweg 22, Rotterdam
179 m
Mother and Child
141 m
Afscheid
114 m
Anita
96 m
Mauritsweg 49, Rotterdam
104 m
Mauritsweg 50, Rotterdam
96 m
Mauritsweg 51
88 m
Mauritsweg 56, Rotterdam
49 m
Reclining figure
126 m
Mauritsweg 48, Rotterdam
108 m
Untitled
104 m
Eendrachtsweg 21, Rotterdam
170 m
Wie dit aanraakt, bestaat
104 m
Eendrachtsweg 20, Rotterdam
161 m
Eendrachtsweg 19, Rotterdam
154 m
Mauritsweg 47, Rotterdam
115 m
Westersingel 37
173 m
The Individual Parallel - Bilderberg Utopia
127 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes