Leeuwen van Zeeburg Sculpture

Casting a watchful eye over the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal, the Leeuwen van Zeeburg sculptures stand as silent guardians. These majestic stone lions have a fascinating tale to tell, one that spans over a century and involves a journey from Amsterdam to Emmeloord and back again. The Leeuwen van Zeeburg, originally created by Bart van Hove in the late 19th century, were placed at the Zeeburg lock in the Merwedekanaal. They served as decorative elements for the siphon, a system designed to regulate the flow of water between the Amsterdam canals and the IJ River. As the canal widened, the lions were removed around 1942 and placed in storage. They eventually resurfaced in Emmeloord, where they continued their watch, albeit in a different setting. Time marched on, and the remnants of the Zeeburg lock were demolished in the early 2000s. Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch water management authority, wanted the lions back in Amsterdam. However, Emmeloord had grown fond of its adopted lions and was reluctant to part with them. A compromise was reached. An artist named Marieke van Diemen created a cast of one of the Emmeloord lions in 2010. Four new, identical lions were then cast from this mold and installed in Amsterdam in 2015. These replicas, positioned near the Amsterdamsebrug, all have their right paw over their left, unlike the originals which had two variations. The Leeuwen van Zeeburg you see today are thus a testament to their own enduring legacy, brought back to life through the artistry of Marieke van Diemen. They stand as a reminder of a historical connection between Amsterdam and Emmeloord and a curious tale of travels.