Statue the Destroyed City by Ossip Zadkine in Rotterdam: photos, reviews

About

The Destroyed City is a poignant bronze monument by Ossip Zadkine located in the bustling center of Rotterdam. Unveiled in 1947, this powerful sculpture reflects the city's resilience and reconstruction spirit following World War II. With an impressive average Google rating of 4.6, it's a must-see attraction that captivates both adults and children alike. Its evocative design and historical significance serve as a reminder of the past while celebrating Rotterdam's vibrant future.

Features

Suitable for children, Wheelchair accessible entrance

How to get here?

The nearest public transport options for your convenience.

Keizerstraat

Bus stop 185 m walk

Rotterdam, Westblaak

Bus stop 337 m walk

Beurs

Tram stop 201 m walk

Rotterdam, Beurs

Tram stop 190 m walk

4.4

based on 878 reviews

Google

4.6/5 591 review

Facebook

4.0/5 287 reviews

No Instagram Zetília Sebastião

Eu nem quis acreditar que este é um monumento importante 😅 sinceramente…enfim, a vista compensa

Alex Green

The statue itself is beautiful, and also represents a very important and integral part of Rotterdam’s history. But the surroundings are not well maintained and don’t look the part, just an empty square.

Tour Guys

At TourGuys, we stop at this sculpture on nearly every city tour — not just because it's striking, but because it captures the very soul of Rotterdam. "The Destroyed City" (De Verwoeste Stad) by Ossip Zadkine is one of the most emotionally powerful public artworks in the Netherlands. Standing at 6.5 meters tall near the Maritime Museum, it depicts a human figure with its chest ripped open, symbolizing the city’s missing heart after the devastating German bombing on May 14, 1940. In just 15 minutes, the historic center of Rotterdam was leveled. Over 800 people lost their lives and around 80,000 were left homeless. Rather than rebuild the old city, Rotterdam chose a bold path — to start fresh. This sculpture reminds us daily what that decision meant. Created in 1951–1953, Zadkine’s work was controversial at the time for its raw, emotional style — very different from traditional war monuments. But today, it’s one of the most iconic and respected memorials in the country. When we stop here with our guests, we often pause for a quiet moment. The symbolism, the open space around it, and the view of the rebuilt city beyond... it hits hard. It’s not just a statue — it’s a story, a scar, and a tribute to Rotterdam’s resilience. 🟡 As TourGuys, we believe understanding Rotterdam means understanding what was lost — and how the city chose to rebuild, not rewind. That’s what makes this spot unforgettable. Want to go deeper into Rotterdam’s wartime past and architectural future? Join us at tourguys.nl for a walking or bike tour packed with stories like this.

Statue the Destroyed City by Ossip Zadkine in Rotterdam

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Reviews and Ratings