Rokinfontein, sculpture in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Rokinfontein is a bronze sculpture on Amsterdam's Rokin street made up of two large heads facing away from each other, connected by a fountain system that allows water to flow between them. The work stands approximately 3 meters (10 feet) tall and wide on a cubic stone base, with the entire piece weighing about 27,000 kilograms (59,500 pounds).
The work was designed by Dutch artist Mark Manders and installed in August 2017, making it one of the city's newer artworks. Its creation was part of a broader redesign of the city center and reflects the artist's interest in forms that blend timelessness with a sense of aging.
The sculpture sits on a busy street where people encounter it as part of their daily surroundings, prompting curiosity about its forms and meaning. Its presence connects art and water in a way that feels natural to the rhythm of city life.
The sculpture is located directly on the busy Rokin street and is easy to reach on foot, just a short walk from Dam Square. The area around it has many cafes and seating spots, especially during warmer months, where you can sit and view the work from different angles.
The work was designed to look visually appealing even when water is not flowing, as the artist wanted it to function as street furniture that remains beautiful at all times. Behind the heads lies a hidden hatch and an internal ladder that allows maintenance workers to service the fountain without affecting its appearance.
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