You might be visiting the Gemeentemuseum or coming from the Peace Palace and come across him anyway (you can’t really miss this impressive 3.5-meter-high statue) but if you are nearby, make a little detour for the statue of Nelson Mandela. It’s a super example of one of the many statues and works of art to be found in public spaces around The Hague.
The statue is located on a square that was specially made for this purpose opposite the Catshuis, on Johan de Wittlaan (featuring a flag parade of all United Nations countries) and between the Gemeentemuseum and the OPCW building. In the middle of all this, there he is; Nelson Mandela. With a modest smile on his face, I can’t help but smile too when I’m cycling past. This spot is a popular photo opportunity as I often see people standing next to Mandela and reaching out for his hand
The bronze statue of Nelson Mandela was made by artist Arie Schippers. Together with footprints in the stone, the statue symbolises the Long Walk to Freedom.
On September 25, 2012, Bishop Desmond Tutu unveiled this statue of Nelson Mandela and after he passed away there was a remembrance ceremony here on December 13, 2013.
