The Abduction of Europa

The Abduction of Europa is a contemporary metal sculpture in Square of Europe in Moscow, constructed from tubes of nickel, chromium, and titanium. The framework takes the form of a bull with an integrated female figure, created with an open lattice structure that allows light to pass through.

Belgian artist Olivier Strebelle created this sculpture in 2002. The work was commissioned to represent the partnership between Russia and the European Union, marking a moment of cultural exchange between the continents.

The work depicts the ancient myth of Zeus transforming into a bull to abduct the princess Europa across the sea. This scene becomes a symbol of connection between two continents, making the sculpture a meeting point between Europe and Asia.

The sculpture sits in the open Square of Europe environment and is easy to spot from nearby streets. Visitors can walk around it from different angles to appreciate how the metal framework changes appearance and reveals different silhouettes as the light shifts throughout the day.

The sculpture reveals a hidden silhouette of the woman Europa within the metal framework when water or light effects illuminate it. This optical quality gives visitors a reason to return and look at the piece from different times of day or weather conditions to catch these shifting revelations.

Location: Moscow

Location: Dorogomilovo District

Location: Western Administrative Okrug

Inception: 2002

Creator: Olivier Strebelle

Made from material: nickel, chromium, titanium

GPS coordinates: 55.74318,37.56928

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04