The artwork will consist of a group of three to five bronze sculptures, to be placed in the water among the reeds and waterside planting close to Beatrixpark. According to Rosita Roosblad, Programme Manager for Arts & Culture: ‘A vibrant Zuidas simply cannot do without public art.’
Advisory committee
Since 2024, a group of experts and local stakeholders have been working together on plans for a new artwork in the Beethoven neighbourhood, close to Beatrixpark. Through the Zuidas Art Project, established by the late Henk de Vroom, representatives of neighbouring communities were able to contribute to the discussions. Until Nobu Residences Park Meadows Amsterdam is completed, the Beethoven neighbourhood itself has no residents. The advisory committee for the future artwork consists of five members, each with an equal vote: Stadscuratorium, the Amsterdam Zuid District Arts Advisory Committee and Henk de Vroom, and the municipality represented by the Zuidas landscape architect and supervisor.
Artwork 'Onvoorzien' by Femke Herregraven
The artwork comprises a series of organic bronze forms ranging in height from 50 to 270 centimetres. Although each sculpture stands on its own, together they form a single composition. Herregraven describes the work as representing a ‘third presence’ between Zuidas, dominated by ‘planning, models and optimisation’, and Beatrixpark, ‘where ecological, cyclical and less controllable forms of time prevail’.
Developed together with the neighbourhood
In the autumn of 2025, three artists were invited to present examples of their previous work, followed by a public Q&A session. Participants included members of the working group as well as neighbouring organisations such as AkzoNobel, Stibbe, the Princesseflat owners’ association and the Vereniging Vrienden van het Beatrixpark. For them, the proposed location is important as ‘a back garden, a place to relax, sit and enjoy’. These discussions resulted in three preliminary designs, which the artists presented to the advisory committee in February 2026. ‘Onvoorzien’ by Femke Herregraven was selected as the winning design.
Schedule
In the autumn of 2026, Herregraven will present the preliminary design. Following assessment by the advisory committee, this will be developed into the final design. A Zuidas ecologist will also be involved. As Roosblad explains: ‘We are considering a special natural foundation, for example with small cavities for fish eggs. Because the artwork must, of course, fit harmoniously into its green surroundings.’
Installation of ‘Onvoorzien’ is scheduled for the first half of 2028. We will, of course, keep you informed of the project’s progress.
Ommetje Kunst
Would you like to experience the public art in Zuidas for yourself? Then follow our Art Tour (Ommetje Kunst). Along the route you can already discover permanent artworks such as ‘Love or Generosity’ on the square in front of the new courthouse, the light artwork ‘White Noise’ in the Cellnex mediators, and ‘Virtual Fountains’ in the neighbourhood park opposite the RAI.
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