National Slavery Memorial, Slavery memorial in Oosterpark, Netherlands.
The National Slavery Memorial is a bronze monument in Oosterpark made up of three connected sections depicting human figures. Each section progresses from trapped and constrained forms to standing individuals, representing a journey from captivity toward freedom.
The memorial was built and dedicated in 2002, marking 1863 when slavery was abolished across Dutch colonial territories including Suriname and the Dutch Antilles. Its creation reflected a growing recognition in the city to acknowledge and honor this past period in a visible way.
The memorial serves as a gathering place for Keti Koti celebrations each July 1st, when the city comes together to mark the moment when slavery ended in Dutch territories and to remember those who lived through it.
The memorial sits in Oosterpark and is easy to reach via paved pathways, with good accessibility for visitors with mobility needs. The park remains open throughout the day, making it simple to stop by at any time that suits you.
The sculpture was created by artist Erwin de Vries using abstract forms that feel more like contemporary art than a traditional monument, which draws visitors in differently. This unconventional approach helps people engage with the meaning on a deeper level without the distance often felt with formal memorials.
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