Amidst the vibrant green of Amsterdam’s Beatrixpark stands Future Past Glory. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a tribute to Jakoba Mulder, the visionary woman who designed this very park. Future Past Glory was created in 2018 by the artistic duo Heringa/van Kalsbeek, to commemorate Beatrixpark’s 75th anniversary. The sculpture stands as a “headdress” or “crown”, a fitting tribute to Mulder’s significant contribution. Its design incorporates elements from Mulder’s own blueprints and designs, transformed into artistic representations of feathers or leaf structures. Mulder was a pioneer. As Amsterdam’s first female urban planner and architect, she worked alongside Cornelis van Eesteren on the General Extension Plan of 1934. This plan laid the groundwork for Amsterdam’s expansion in the south and west. She collaborated with Aldo van Eyck on over 700 playgrounds, injecting life and playfulness into the city. Her influence extends beyond Beatrixpark and playgrounds. She contributed to the creation of numerous other parks and even the Amsterdamse Bos, a large urban forest south of the city. The Friends of Beatrixpark Association actively supported this project, recognizing Mulder’s often-overlooked legacy. Future Past Glory isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a testament to a remarkable woman who shaped Amsterdam. It’s a reminder of the power of vision and the lasting impact of a green thumb. As you admire the sculpture, imagine Jakoba Mulder walking through this very park, her mind brimming with ideas that would transform Amsterdam’s landscape.
Royal Tropical Institute
From a colonial museum’s humble start in Haarlem in 1864, the Royal Tropical Institute blossomed in Amsterdam. Its journey began