Revamped national database ‘Publieke Kunst in Nederland’ (public art in Holland)

The ‘Publieke Kunst in Nederland’ national database forms a representative selection of works that were created for public and semi-public spaces in the Netherlands from 1970 until the present. For this particular project many local and regional organizations were approached after which a final selection was made by a selection committee. This selection currently encompasses around 400 works. Users can find information by choosing different search options, such as e.g. the artist’s name or the location of the work.

The selection was based on the quality of the work, the interaction between the work and its location and the ranking of the work within the artist’s oeuvre. Attention was also paid to works that revealed a very distinct conception of public art. Projects situated on the interface of visual art and other disciplines such as (landscape) architecture, urban development and design were also included in the selection procedure. By making a critical choice instead of purely aiming to create a final inventory, we have attempted to offer insight into the developments in public art in the Netherlands.

The selection is not fixed and will continue to expand. We welcome any information on the completion of new projects and if you feel that an important work or project has been omitted from our database or if you have found any errors, please contact us on: