A Mystery Artist Has Been Installing Sculptures Around Amsterdam for 30 Years

Tom Coggins

Over the past three decades, an anonymous figure has created and installed several public statues around Amsterdam. Even after 30 years, the creator of these artworks still remains unknown, and it seems unlikely that anyone will ever step forward. Although the sculptures in question are certainly mysterious, it is clear that they represent certain aspects of life in Amsterdam and are located in some of the most iconic spots in the city.

1. This industrious figure is mounted on a tree a few metres west from Leidseplein in a small park called Liedsebosje

Park

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© the Culture Trip

He has stood there since 1989, and the tree he’s working on has started to grow around his saw

2. There is another sculpture nearby on Ten Katenplein called 'Drie Heertjes in Gesprek' (Three Little Gentlemen Talking)

heertjes

© the Culture Trip

Which depicts three tiny, male Amsterdammers smoking and chatting

De blauwe vioolspeler (the Blue Violin Player) is also located in Amsterdam-West.

3. And appears to be hurrying toward Bloemgracht tram stop, clutching a violin case

© the Culture Trip

4. There's another violinist inside Stopera

© the Culture Trip

Breaking through the ground on the south-western side of the building

5. And an unknown artist also mounted a bronze relief into cobblestones on Oudekerksplein in the Red Light District

That’s thought to honor the city’s sex workers

Have you spotted any other anonymous artworks around Amsterdam? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram with #culturetrip.

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