Schiedam celebrates 750 years with an artistic spectacle
Schiedam will blow out no fewer than 750 candles in 2025 and that deserves a grand celebration! As part of this special anniversary KunstWerkt will present the exhibition PARTY BEAST from 6 to 30 March 2025. A colourful and festive event in which ten artists will use their unique vision to portray the ultimate party. But that's not all...
The icing on the cake: the WHALE by Joep van Lieshout
As the highlight of the anniversary year The Whale – an impressive steel whale measuring no less than 14 metres long and weighing 5000 kilos – will come to Schiedam. This work of art a sculpture by Atelier Van Lieshout will be spectacularly installed on 14 March 2025 right across from KunstWerkt. This spectacle promises to be a visual feast with a low-loader crane (sponsored by Mammoet) and road plates (sponsored by Blijdorp Vlaardingen) bringing this gigantic work of art to its temporary home. After the spectacular transport the WHALE will arrive in De Plantage the oldest city park in the Netherlands. Here it will be on display from March to September inspiring residents and visitors. During its stay workshops and lectures will be organised that will explore the art nature and symbolism behind this special work.
An ode to nature and human ingenuity
The WHALE is a tribute to the power of nature human technology and the complex relationship between the two. With references to Moby Dick the iconic story of the battle between man and nature this work of art reminds us that nature cannot simply be tamed. This majestic steel giant resting on the land like a catch from yesteryear also recalls the whaling of the past – but now in the context of conservation and respect.
PARTY ANIMAL: join the celebration!
The PARTY BEAST exhibition at KunstWerkt and the arrival of the WHALE together form a unique part of the celebration of 750 years of Schiedam. Whether you are an art lover have a soft spot for nature or just want to celebrate a spectacular party: this anniversary year is for everyone!
• PARTY BEAST exhibition: 6 to 30 March 2025 in the exhibition space of KunstWerkt
• WHALE placement: 14 March 2025 opposite KunstWerkt
• WHALE in De Plantage: March to September 2025
Come and see celebrate and be amazed by the power of art and nature in this special anniversary year.
Participating artists:
- Gerjanne Beumer
- Margriet van Breevoort
- Sander Buijk
- Juliette Hengst
- Amarenske Koopman
- Yvon Koopman
- Albert Kramer
- Joep van Lieshout
- Rob van der Ven
- Diet Wiegman
Curator: Yvon Koopman
• Unofficial opening "Party Animal" Sun 9 Mar 15:30
Unofficial opening by girls' club DOCK Groenelaan with homemade pinatas.
• Opening "Party Animal" Fri 14 Mar 16:00
Official opening with the spectacular transport of the WALVIS on a low loader and crane. Departure from Atelier van Lieshout at 8:30.
Opening ceremony by Joep van Lieshout and Anke Bodewes (chairman of the Schiedam 750 foundation).
• Whale dance Sun 16 Mar 15:00
Whale dance by Hip Hop 010 at 15:00 and 16:00.
• Guided tour of the De Walvisch mill Sun 23 Mar 15:00
Guided tour of the De Walvisch mill by Matthieu Zuiderwijk. Joint departure from Art Centre Schiedam at 14:30.
• Finissage Sun 30 Mar 15:30
With a whale ‘to eat’
Event Venue
KunstWerkt, Lange Nieuwstraat 191, 3111 AJ Schiedam, Nederland, Schiedam, Netherlands
USD 0.00
