A historic sculpture by former city sculptor Hildo Krop has been permanently reinstalled outside Het Marnix swimming pool on the Marnixplein in Amsterdam West.
The nearly two-meter-tall limestone piece, titled De baadster (The Bather), was originally commissioned for the public bathhouse and swimming facility that opened on the site in 1955.
It features a stylized female figure with flowing hair, carved from French limestone, created during Krop’s long tenure designing public art for the municipality of Amsterdam.
A decades-long absence
When the original bathhouse was demolished in 2004 to make way for the modern sports complex, the sculpture was removed and put into storage.
During the reconstruction, municipal planning oversights and miscommunication led to the artwork being misplaced, leaving its future uncertain for over a decade.
The sculptor’s family and heritage advocates raised concerns at the time, seeking assurances that the public piece would be preserved and eventually reinstated.
Advocacy brings artwork back
Following years of efforts by the Hildo Krop Museum and local monument conservation groups, city officials eventually located the stone carving and arranged for its restoration.
Local stonemasons and conservators worked to clean and repair the French limestone before preparing it for outdoor display once again.
The return of the artwork restores a key piece of post-war public design to the facade of the popular neighborhood sports venue.
Legacy of the city sculptor
Hildo Krop served as the official city sculptor of Amsterdam for four decades, creating hundreds of bridges, relief panels, and statues across the capital between 1916 and his death in 1970.
His distinct decorative style remains visible throughout the city, particularly on Amsterdam School architecture, public housing projects, and canal bridges.
Visitors and swimmers heading to the Marnixplein facility can now view the restored statue directly near the main entrance.
