A steel silhouette against the Amsterdam sky. That’s the Kubussen sculpture by André Volten. We’re standing before a piece of art that often gets overlooked. Yet, it speaks volumes about this city’s embrace of modern art. The Kubussen sculpture, installed in 1994, is a testament to Volten’s abstract style. He was known for his geometric forms, often using industrial materials. Volten’s works invite you to interpret them, to find your own meaning in their shapes. The Kubussen, with their interconnected cubes, could represent the complex urban landscape of Amsterdam. Or perhaps the interconnectedness of people within this bustling city. Look closely at the play of light and shadow on the steel surfaces. Notice how the sculpture interacts with its surroundings, almost as if it’s in conversation with the buildings around it. The Kubussen sculpture is more than just a static object. It’s a dynamic participant in the urban symphony of Amsterdam. It’s a reminder to look up, to appreciate the art that surrounds us, even in the most unexpected places.
Royal Tropical Institute
From a colonial museum’s humble start in Haarlem in 1864, the Royal Tropical Institute blossomed in Amsterdam. Its journey began