Under Heaven 03 Installation

Envision a child’s dream, a secret hideaway nestled on its own tiny island. This is Under Heaven 03, a unique art installation in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Under Heaven 03 isn’t just art; it’s a whimsical folly, a small house perched on a man-made island in a pond. It sits just south of the Frieda Belinfantebrug, beckoning with its charming miniature world. Created by local artist Leonard van Munster, Under Heaven 03 is more than meets the eye. It’s fully equipped, with lights for nighttime, a tiny shed, and even curtains that can be opened and closed. Sometimes, if you listen closely, you might hear the faint sound of a radio playing from within. Reaching this enchanting island requires a boat. Then, a small set of stairs leads you up to the house itself. Under Heaven 03 is part of a series of artworks. Under Heaven 01, a nine-meter-high treehouse atop the now-demolished Post CS building, is sadly gone. Another piece, Under Heaven 02, creates a hidden paradise under a nearby highway overpass. Under Heaven 03 was crowdfunded and built in 2011. The artist originally envisioned it as “an island where you want to be, with eternally blooming Japanese cherry trees, a waterfall, and a charming home.” He even offered access to those who contributed to its creation. Sadly, this dreamlike place has seen its share of vandalism. Stones meant to reinforce the nearby bridge were thrown at the little house. When the artist intervened, he was met with violence. Ironically, the pond itself was created to deter such acts. Despite these challenges, Under Heaven 03 remains a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of a secret hideaway. It invites us to dream of a world apart, a tiny island of peace amidst the bustling city.