Is that a whimsical rabbit or a quirky windmill? Right here before us stands the Vlindermolen a unique artwork in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Created in 1998 by Herman Makkink this statue is more than just a pretty face. It’s a playful blend of shapes and materials. A half-brick sphere forms its base. Above sits a reed-covered structure resembling a mill. Atop this sits a bronze butterfly its wings like mill blades. This explains the statue’s name. The Vlindermolen meaning Butterfly Mill.
Makkink loved brick constructions. This is evident in the statue’s base. The Vlindermolen’s unusual tilted position on a roundabout adds to its charm. As you drive around you see different perspectives of the art piece. It’s a landmark a beacon in the neighborhood. Its placement ensures it won’t be hidden by buildings. The Vlindermolen has earned nicknames like the Easter Bunny. From certain angles the butterfly is less visible. It looks like a seated Easter Bunny. Another nickname is simply “the pear”.
The mill form is a tribute to the many windmills that once stood in the Sloten municipality. Makkink created other brick structures. For instance the Wegwerphuisje near Cornelis Lelylaan and a nameless work in Westerpark sometimes called Bolbewoners. The Vlindermolen however is special. It’s been praised as one of the better roundabout sculptures in the Netherlands. This whimsical artwork is a testament to Makkink’s creativity. His talent for blending the familiar with the unexpected is truly captivating. It’s a piece of art that invites closer examination a smile and a thoughtful pause. Look at its many details. Let your imagination run wild. The Vlindermolen is a conversation starter. It shows the artist’s fun-loving side. It’s certainly one of Amsterdam’s more memorable pieces of public art. This statue is a quirky symbol of this neighborhood. It’s a fitting tribute to Amsterdam’s rich history and artistic spirit. Enjoy the Vlindermolen’s unique appeal. Its unusual charm will surely stay with you long after you leave this spot.