Mystery: what is the story behind the big head that stood along the A12?

You once found an enormous rotating statue in the shape of a head in Zoetermeer, near the A12. It was a real eye-catcher. What is the story behind this artwork and why did it disappear?

The year? 1992. The Place? Zoetermeer of course! In 1992 the international horticultural exhibition ‘Floriade’ took place in Zoetermeer. This was the largest horticultural exhibition in the world! The exhibition grounds that were set up for this purpose in Zoetermeer would then function as a residential area. That is why you can still find many traces of the Floriade in the Rokkeveen district, such as the rose garden and the LOVE artwork. Characteristic of the Floriade were buildings in special shapes, striking plants and specially constructed tram lines. There were also some very striking works of art on display!

The Colossus along the A12

The most striking of all those works of art was probably the statue of Colossus. The Colossus of Zoetermeer was designed by artist Rob Scholte. It was a large white head that rotated slowly because it stood on a rotating disc. Thus the face seemed to follow the viewer with its eyes. The top of the head was covered with plants that resembled strands of hair. The sculpture was six meters high and was made of plastic. The Kolossus stood on the dike along the A12 and attracted a lot of attention. It was even written about in the New York Times!

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arson

Unfortunately, Zoetermeer was not able to enjoy this work of art for long. In September 1993, the Kolossus van Zoetermeer was set on fire. The sculpture was thus completely destroyed. Unfortunately, no information can be found about the perpetrator(s) of the arson and the reason behind it. However, there is the possibility that a new Kolossus will come to Zoetermeer one day. Artist Rob Scholte has in multiple messages expressed that he is open to this.

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