Statue of Queen Wilhelmina, Bronze monument near Fort Zeelandia in Paramaribo, Suriname.
The Statue of Queen Wilhelmina is a bronze monument depicting the Dutch monarch in formal royal dress, positioned near Fort Zeelandia in downtown Paramaribo. The sculpture occupies a prominent spot within the city's historic district, where it stands amid colonial-era architecture and public spaces.
The monument was erected to commemorate Queen Wilhelmina, who reigned over the Netherlands and its colonies from 1890 to 1948, including Suriname during much of her reign. The statue marks a period when Dutch authority played a central role in shaping the territory's governance and institutions.
The statue symbolizes the historical ties between Suriname and the Netherlands that continue to shape conversations in the city today. Visitors often notice how locals engage with or walk past the monument, reflecting its complex place in community memory.
The monument sits in central Paramaribo and is easily accessible on foot through the city's historic streets. It stands in an open area and can be viewed at any time, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the riverside district.
Records show that debates surrounded the monument's creation, with discussions about its design and placement reflecting different viewpoints on how this shared history should be represented. These historical discussions reveal tensions in how the statue was intended to be understood.
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