William the Silent

William the Silent is a bronze statue on the Rutgers University campus depicting a major historical figure from European politics. The artwork stands on a substantial base and dominates the appearance of the Voorhees Mall area with its commanding presence.

The statue was brought to the United States from the Netherlands after World War I by Dr. Fenton B. Turck and reached its current campus location in 1928. It represents one of the authorized copies made before the destruction of the original mold.

Students gather at this bronze figure during academic celebrations and campus events, making it a meeting point for the Rutgers community. The statue serves as a visual anchor that connects the campus to European heritage.

The statue is located near several campus buildings and is easy to reach. The area is wheelchair accessible, allowing all visitors to explore the installation.

The work is one of the few remaining authorized reproductions of a Dutch masterpiece that was destroyed elsewhere. This rarity makes it a valuable record of European artistic tradition on American soil.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

GPS coordinates: 40.50121,-74.44771

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53