The Destroyed City Zadkine
A monumental bronze sculpture by Ossip Zadkine, symbolizing Rotterdam's resilience after WWII bombing.
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A powerful, year-round memorial
The Destroyed City Zadkine
Best Time
A powerful, year-round memorial
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental bronze sculpture by Ossip Zadkine, symbolizing Rotterdam's resilience after WWII bombing.
"This striking sculpture captures the very soul of Rotterdam, a powerful reminder of loss and rebirth."
Reflect on History
Take a moment to absorb the statue's powerful message of loss and survival.
Seek Guided Tours
Enhance your understanding with a tour that delves into Rotterdam's wartime past.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Destroyed City Sculpture
Near the Maritime Museum
A 6.5-meter tall bronze figure with a ripped-open chest, symbolizing Rotterdam's loss and resilience.
Commemorative Pavement Lights
Throughout the city center
Subtle red lights marking the original fire boundaries from the WWII bombing, a poignant reminder.
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On May 14th 1940 Nazi Germany's Luftwaffe bombed Rotterdam during the German invasion of the Netherlands in World War II. This is how we remember every year. The lights mark the fire boundaries.
Reflect on History
Take a moment to absorb the statue's powerful message of loss and survival.
Seek Guided Tours
Enhance your understanding with a tour that delves into Rotterdam's wartime past.
Notice the Details
Look for the subtle red lights in the pavement marking historical fire boundaries.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reflect on History
Take a moment to absorb the statue's powerful message of loss and survival.
Seek Guided Tours
Enhance your understanding with a tour that delves into Rotterdam's wartime past.
Notice the Details
Look for the subtle red lights in the pavement marking historical fire boundaries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Destroyed City a deeply moving and powerful memorial, powerfully symbolizing Rotterdam's wartime destruction and resilience. While some note the surrounding area could be better maintained, the statue's historical significance and artistic merit are widely praised.
"Dramatic monument about history of "World War2". "The ruined city" us about Rotterdams history about war. Had different kind of feelings."
Fidan
"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."
Tour Guys
"When I saw this statue I was reminded of my crazy life.
I look back at the tattered remains of my father. A fractured and broken human being clinging to whatever embers of life he can find.
I look back at my broken family and upbringing. And I see myself, mangled by the burdens of the wars of his past and the weight of his mistakes and the regrets from his failures. I see him, holding up whatever good is left in his life as best as he can.
This statue is a war memorial as this city suffered heavy bombing in world war 2. If it represents anything, it's the tenacious nature of human beings.
Even broken and mangled, they refuse to give up.
Even in a life that has known only war,
They survive"
Bill Lis
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The statue is centrally located near the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam. It's easily accessible by public transport, including trams and metro lines that stop nearby. Walking from the city center is also a pleasant option.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the statue, several public parking garages are available within a short walking distance in the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Destroyed City is an outdoor public monument, so there is no admission fee. You can visit and admire it at any time.
As it's an outdoor monument, it's generally accessible. Early mornings or late evenings might offer a more contemplative experience, though it's rarely crowded.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a powerful war memorial by Ossip Zadkine, commemorating the devastating bombing of Rotterdam on May 14, 1940, and symbolizing the city's 'missing heart' and resilience.
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes here, taking time to appreciate the sculpture and its historical context.
The statue is located near the Maritime Museum and is part of the city center, which itself is a testament to Rotterdam's post-war reconstruction. You can also look for the red pavement lights marking historical fire boundaries.
While the statue itself is a focal point, some visitors note that the immediate surroundings could be better maintained, though this doesn't detract from the monument's impact.
📸 📸 Photography
Experiment with different perspectives. Shooting from a low angle can emphasize the statue's scale, while capturing it with the city skyline in the background highlights its place in modern Rotterdam.
The statue is in a public space, so it's possible to encounter other visitors. Visiting during off-peak hours, like early morning, can help you get clearer shots.
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The Story Behind the Sculpture
Initially, Zadkine's raw, emotional style was controversial, diverging from traditional, stoic war memorials. However, it has since become one of the Netherlands' most iconic and respected memorials. Visitors often describe experiencing a range of emotions, from sadness to awe, when contemplating the sculpture. It serves not only as a memorial to the past but also as a testament to the city's remarkable resilience and its bold decision to embrace a future of reconstruction rather than dwelling on what was lost.
When you visit, take a moment to consider the open space surrounding the statue and the modern cityscape beyond. This juxtaposition powerfully illustrates Rotterdam's commitment to moving forward. The statue is a constant, tangible link to the city's history, reminding everyone of the tenacity of the human spirit even in the face of utter devastation.
Rotterdam's Resilience and Reconstruction
This spirit of resilience is further symbolized by the subtle red lights embedded in the pavement throughout the city center. These lights mark the original boundaries of the fires that raged after the bombing, serving as a quiet, everyday reminder of the city's past.
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