★★★★★ 5.0
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Equestrian statue of Queen Wilhelmina
That bronze horse and rider towering above you is Amsterdam's one and ONLY equestrian statue! Can you believe the people of Amsterdam literally emptied their piggy banks and paid 130,000 guilders - that's like a million dollars today - just to build this tribute to Queen Wilhelmina? She ruled for 58 whole years, longer than any Dutch monarch ever... that's like your entire life times FOUR! Here's the coolest secret - her own daughter Queen Juliana actually helped the sculptor pick out what clothes mom should wear on her bronze horse! Look closely at how she's sitting sideways in that fancy riding style called "side-saddle" with her signature big hat... and see if you can spot that this statue sits right where an old canal used to flow before they filled it in to make this busy Rokin street!
Did You Know?
- The statue was originally intended to depict Queen Wilhelmina seated behind a microphone, symbolizing her role as the 'war queen' during World War II, when she broadcasted messages of hope and resistance to the Dutch people from exile in London via Radio Oranje—however, the sculptor, Theresia van der Pant, chose instead to portray a younger Wilhelmina on horseback, emphasizing her regal presence and resilience, with input on her attire from Wilhelmina's daughter, Queen Juliana.
- The equestrian statue is notable for its artistic departure from typical portrayals of Wilhelmina as an older, stern monarch; instead, it captures her youth and elegance, seated sidesaddle in a detailed bronze sculpture that highlights both the queen’s grace and the sculptor’s expertise in depicting animals, making it a unique visual landmark in Amsterdam’s historic center.
- Located at the bustling corner of Rokin and Langebrugsteeg, the statue’s placement was carefully chosen—it was initially considered for Damrak, but its large size and the desire to avoid overshadowing the National Monument on Dam Square led to its current, slightly off-the-beaten-path location, making it a delightful discovery for families exploring Amsterdam’s lesser-known corners.