10 Most Captivating Statues in Amsterdam: A Complete Walking Guide
INTRODUCTION
Amsterdam’s canals and historic streets are world-famous, but its statues tell the city’s deeper stories. From courageous individuals to artistic legends, each statue reflects a piece of Amsterdam’s soul. Here’s a curated guide to the most fascinating statues in Amsterdam, with tips for your visit.
Quick Guide: 10 Must-See Statues in Amsterdam 🏛️✨
1. Anne Frank Statue: A Symbol of Hope Despite Tragedy 🕊️📖
Where: Westermarkt, outside Westerkerk ⛪
Created by: Mari Andriessen (1977)
Info: Created to honor Anne Frank’s bravery and her story during the Holocaust.
Anne Frank was a Jewish girl ✡️ who documented her experiences during WWII in her diary 📝. She and her family were hidden from Nazi persecution, but tragically, her parents and sister were killed ⚰️. Anne’s diary has become one of the most powerful testimonies of hope and humanity 🕊️.
- Bronze life-size statue 🏺
- Honors Anne Frank’s memory 🕊️
- Located near Anne Frank House 🏠
- Quiet reflection spot 🌿
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon 🌅
2. Rembrandt Monument: The Golden Age Master on His Square 🎨
Where: Rembrandtplein (central public square)
Created by: Louis Royer (1852)
Info: Built to honor Rembrandt, Amsterdam’s famous painter.
Rembrandt van Rijn was a 17th-century Dutch master 🎨. Known for works like The Night Watch, he revolutionized portrait painting with dramatic light and shadow 🌒. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife and children, his art endures as a symbol of Dutch creativity 🖌️.
- Cast-iron figure with period attire 🖌️
- Surrounded by 3D Night Watch figures 👥
- Central square location 🏙️
- Historical and artistic significance 🖼️
Best time to visit: Morning for photos 📸, evening for lively café atmosphere ☕
3. Belle: Honoring Sex Workers in the Red Light District 💃
Where: Oudekerksplein, Red Light District 🌃
Created by: Els Rijerse (2007)
Info: Commemorates sex workers and promotes respect for their profession.
Belle represents the courage and dignity of sex workers 💜. The statue reminds visitors of the ongoing fight for rights and recognition ✊ within this historic neighborhood.
- Standing confidently in doorway 🚪
- Plaque: “Respect sex workers all over the world” ✨
- Located in Red Light District 🔴
- Symbol of rights and dignity ✊
Best time to visit: Mid-morning or weekdays 🕰️
4. Het Lieverdje: The Little Darling with Revolutionary Impact 😇
Where: Spui Square
Created by: Carel Kneulman (bronze version 1960)
Info: Depicts a cheeky Amsterdam street boy, symbolizing youthful energy and counterculture.
Het Lieverdje became a focal point for the Provo movement in the 1960s, representing anti-establishment spirit 🌟. The boy embodies Amsterdam’s playful yet rebellious heart, linking history with social activism ✨.
- Bronze figure with hands on hips 👦
- Represents good-hearted street urchin 🏙️
- Countercultural symbol ✊
- Gathering point for events 🎉
Best time to visit: Friday mornings during the book market 📚
5. National Monument: Remembrance at the Heart of Amsterdam 🇳🇱
Where: Dam Square
Created by: J.J.P. Oud (architect) and John Rädecker (sculptor), 1956
Info: Honors WWII victims and Dutch resistance.
The monument symbolizes the suffering and resilience of the Dutch people ⚔️. Its figures – representing oppression, resistance, and victory – make it a poignant reminder of courage 🕊️.
- 22-meter white travertine pillar 🏛️
- Symbolic human figures ✨
- Lions guarding the front 🦁
- Center of national remembrance 🕯️
Best time to visit: Early morning or after 7 p.m. 🌙
6. The Violinist: Mystery Musician Emerges from the Floor 🎻
Where: Stopera (City Hall/Music Theatre), Waterlooplein
Created by: Anonymous artist (1991)
Info: Celebrates spontaneous creativity and Amsterdam’s artistic freedom.
The half-emerged violinist reflects the city’s playful and experimental spirit 🎶. The anonymous artist kept his identity hidden, adding mystery and intrigue 🌟.
- Half-emerged bronze figure 🎻
- Visible through glass walls 🏛️
- Whimsical and interactive installation 🎨
- Indoor yet public display 🏙️
Best time to visit: Morning light 🌞
7. Blauw Jan: A Reptilian Invasion in the City Center 🦎
Where: Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen, near Leidseplein
Created by: Hans van Houwelingen (1994)
Info: Honors a 17th-century Amsterdam innkeeper who kept exotic animals.
Blauw Jan references the city’s whimsical history and fascination with exotic wildlife 🐾. The lifelike iguanas delight children and adults alike, blending history with humor 🌟.
- Life-sized bronze lizards 🦎
- Playful installation for children 👧👦
- Photogenic urban artwork 📸
- Recently reinstalled after renovations 🏗️
Best time to visit: Sunny daytime ☀️
8. Queen Wilhelmina: Royal Elegance on Horseback 👑
Where: Rokin at Langebrugsteeg
Created by: Theresia van der Pant (1972)
Info: Celebrates Queen Wilhelmina, a symbol of Dutch resistance and leadership.
Queen Wilhelmina ruled the Netherlands for 58 years, including during both World Wars 🏇. She became a symbol of resilience and national pride ✨.
- Dynamic bronze equestrian statue 🏇
- Broad-brimmed hat detail 🎩
- Represents strength and leadership ✨
- Historic central location 🏙️
Best time to visit: Late afternoon 🌇
9. Spinoza: The Philosopher with a Symbolic Cloak 📜
Where: Zwanenburgwal canal embankment, near Waterlooplein
Created by: Nicolas Dings (2008)
Info: Honors Baruch Spinoza, philosopher of freedom and reason.
Spinoza was excommunicated for his radical ideas, but found refuge in Amsterdam’s tolerant environment 🕊️. He emphasized rational thought, freedom, and coexistence, leaving a lasting philosophical legacy 🧠.
- Bronze figure with symbolic cloak 🧥
- 20-sided icosahedron on pedestal 🔷
- Near his historic residence 🏠
- Invites philosophical reflection 💭
Best time to visit: Calm morning 🌊
10. Multatuli: The Literary Crusader for Justice ✒️
Where: Torensluis bridge over the Singel canal
Created by: Hans Bayens (1987)
Info: Honors Eduard Douwes Dekker (Multatuli), author who exposed colonial abuses.
Multatuli’s writing, especially Max Havelaar, fought injustice and exposed exploitation in the Dutch East Indies 🌏. He is remembered as a literary hero advocating human rights and social critique 📚.
- Contemplative bronze figure 🧥
- Overcoat symbolizes weight of conscience ⚖️
- Positioned on city’s widest bridge 🌉
- Near historic cafés and book culture ☕📖
Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon 🌤
️🚲 Bike Taxi: Explore Amsterdam Statues in Comfort
If you want to see all the statues in one day without rushing, a private bike taxi is a perfect option. Eco-friendly and guided, these rickshaws take you through Amsterdam’s canals, squares, and hidden streets, giving you more time to enjoy each monument.
- Private ride: Relax while the driver navigates busy streets
- Custom route: Stop at any statue you like 🏛️
- Accessible for all: Suitable for families and seniors 👨👩👧👦
- Photo opportunities: Get unique shots without the crowds 📸
Tip: Book in advance via WhatsApp or online for early morning rides to avoid busy streets.