Fete galante - Free Audio Guide

Fête galante is a striking sculpture created by Hans van den Ban in 1997, located along the Weesperstraat and Nieuwe Kerkstraat in Amsterdam-Centrum. The artwork consists of four concrete cuckoo clock weights shaped like pine cones, each about 7.5 meters tall and 1.3 meters wide. The title refers to the painterly term for a festive gathering, reflecting joy amidst the surrounding urban architecture. Notably, three of the cones feature sea anemone-like protrusions that sway in the wind, earning the sculpture a playful nickname. Visitors can appreciate the connection between time and nature, as the piece symbolizes the passage of time and the transience of life. While there are no admission fees, the sculpture can be viewed freely at any time, making it an accessible cultural highlight for all.