Perched atop that pillar stands a winged figure seemingly shouting to the heavens. It’s the “De Vrijheid van de Gedachte” or “The Freedom of Thought” sculpture. This artwork encapsulates a powerful message about the liberty of the human mind. It stands here on Oranje Vrijstaatplein.
“De Vrijheid van de Gedachte” is the creation of the artist Hildo Krop. Krop was commissioned by P.T.T. Nederland to create this profound piece. The sculpture was erected in 1951.
Look closely at the sculpture’s base. You will see the words of poet P.C. Boutens. “Gesproken of geschreven, leent het Woord de vleuglen van zijn moeder, de gedachte, En snelt, verstild, bij dagen en bij nachten Alweegs naar zijn bestemming voort”. These words translate to: “Spoken or written, the Word lends the wings of his mother, the thought, And rushes, stilled, by day and by night Always towards its destination”.
The sculpture depicts a robed man. He is shouting with wings. Below him is a woman reclining. The man stands with his feet near the woman’s abdomen. The meaning is that every thinking person should be allowed to give free rein to his thoughts. The thought leads through the man and his wings to his destination.
Initially, “De Vrijheid van de Gedachte” graced the grounds of the telephone exchange. The telephone exchange was located on Pieter de Hoochstraat. This was its home for many years.
Around 1990, the telecommunications service moved. It relocated to La Guardiaweg near Sloterdijk. The sculpture followed, finding a new place among modern buildings.
The telecommunications service moved again in 2010. This time to The Hague. The sculpture was left behind. For five years, it remained there.
A buyer was found for the vacant building. The new owner had no interest in “De Vrijheid van de Gedachte”. It was sold to a dealer in Amstelveen. The sculpture was dismantled. It was stored in warehouses.
In 2017, the Municipality became aware of the sculpture’s plight. A delegation inspected the disassembled artwork. Despite its condition, they were not disappointed. The Municipality purchased it.
There was a discussion about placing it on a lower base. But a member of the Hildo Krop Museum convinced officials to keep the original design. Krop designed it to be viewed from below.
Finally, in February 2019, “De Vrijheid van de Gedachte” found its current home. It was placed here on Oranje Vrijstaatplein. The Stadsloket Oost is on the square.
Notice how the figure is directed towards the open space of the square. This emphasizes freedom. The sculpture serves as a reminder. It reminds everyone of the importance of free thought and expression. This message is eternal.