Fairy Tale Sculptures by the Sea

A public sculpture garden created out of numerous sculptures by the American sculptor Tom Otterness depict characters from fairy tales. This “fairy tale pictures by the sea” installation was designed in particular for children to enjoy, but grown-ups who visit them cannot stay indiferrent, too.

The group of sculptures found here are called “SprookjesBeelden aan Zee‘ – ‘Fairytale Figures by the Sea‘ – and they are the creations of the American Tom Otterness. These works of art became a reality as per the initiative of the Museum Beelden aan Zee, one of the hidden art gems of The Netherlands and the only institution in the country focusing fully on modern and contemporary sculpture. The museum is a privately funded and managed venue that opened in 1994 by the Dutch art collectors Theo and Lida Scholten. Ten years later, in 2004, the couple popped the idea about this freely accessible sculpture park a stone throw away from the beach to Tom Otterness and the American artist wasn’t late to grasp the opportunity with both hands.

While all sculpture groups – there are 23 of them – depict characters from fairy tales (known and less known ones), there is often a slightly disturbing element to them, a bit of seriousness among all the fun. If you pay attention you will notice signs of oppression, greed, power depicted in his works.

 The group of the 23 sculptures have been in storage for some two and a half years while the Scheveningse Boulevard went through some serious renovations. Since April 2013 Ottersen’s characters are back and all playfully occupying a chunk of the new walk-board, fascinating and surprising curious visitors.