Behold De Muur. It stands here as a testament to artistic vision. It also represents community reaction. This red wall sparks conversation. What was once a point of contention is now an iconic landmark.
De Muur is located in Amsterdam-Noord. It is the creation of Alfred Eikelenboom. He worked on it from 1984 to 1986. In 1987, it found its place on a field at IJplein. This is between Meeuwenlaan and Gedempte Insteekhaven.
Eikelenboom’s De Muur is part of his Utopische Modellen series. This collection critiques the dominance of cube-shaped architecture. Think of the many flat buildings around. De Muur defies this with its rounded edges. Its bright red color challenges the gray monotony.
The first version of De Muur was made of steel and foam. It measured about 15 meters long and four meters high. It featured 132 holes and five slots. Eikelenboom considered it a baroque artwork. He predicted people would grow to love it. With some self-deprecation, he even called it the Eiffel Tower of Amsterdam-Noord. He saw it as one of his best designs.
Not everyone shared his enthusiasm. Locals felt it obstructed or spoiled the view. Some dismissed it. They said modern art is simply not beautiful. Over the years, it acquired nicknames. It was called Klaagmuur because people left notes in its openings. Other names included Rode Matras and Roze Ligakoek.
As time passed, De Muur deteriorated. Weather took its toll. There was not enough upkeep. A relative of Eikelenboom and the City of Amsterdam discussed its future. They decided to create a new version of De Muur. This time, it would be made entirely of plastic.
The new version was installed in December 2020. The cost was 210000 euros. Some residents felt the money could have been better spent. They still thought the artwork blocked and disturbed the view. Yet, upon closer inspection, they admitted they might miss it if it were gone. For an entire generation, it had become a landmark. They had grown up with it.
Selby Gildemacher describes De Muur as a red wall. It sits on a wide lawn. The holes remind him of a huge, red biscuit. He considers it a masterpiece. De Muur once symbolized the separation between old and new. The old Vogelbuurt neighborhood was on one side of Meeuwenlaan. The new residential area designed by Rem Koolhaas was on the other. Now, the new neighborhood is also old. It faces demolition and urban renewal. Despite the lack of maintenance, De Muur still stands proudly. For Gildemacher, it remains a surprising and iconic piece of Amsterdam-Noord.
So, here stands De Muur. More than just a wall, it is a mirror reflecting changing opinions. It also reflects the enduring power of art. What do you think? Is this the Eiffel tower of Amsterdam-Noord?