Piet Heyn statue

The Piet Heyn statue is a bronze figure of a naval commander displayed in Rotterdam. The monument depicts the subject in full military bearing with staff and sword, positioned beside a cannon on a tall stone base.

The memorial was unveiled by King Willem III in 1870 after citizens demanded a lasting tribute to their local hero. The push for a permanent monument arose when a temporary creation had captured public imagination years earlier.

The statue honors a renowned naval commander whose name became synonymous with Dutch maritime triumphs against foreign powers. Visitors encounter here a symbol of local pride that has inspired admiration across generations.

The monument sits on Piet Heynsplein in the Delfshaven neighborhood, a central location easily reached on foot. The square surrounding it offers plenty of room for viewing and photographing from different angles.

The statue owes its existence to a melting snow sculpture that artists had created as a temporary tribute to the naval commander. The temporary work generated such strong public response that residents pushed for a permanent replacement in bronze.

Location: Rotterdam

Inception: 1870

Creator: Joseph Graven

Made from material: bronze, stone, sandstone

GPS coordinates: 51.90794,4.45010

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:25