11fountains Bolsward
In Bolsward, you are immediately met by the wings of a giant bat. The sculpture rises from the square beside the Broerekerk, with a staircase leading up across its back. The closer you get, the more details you discover.
This is The Bat, the 11fountains artwork in Bolsward. Created by Belgian artist Johan Creten, it explores contrasts such as strength and vulnerability, and light and darkness. The fountain was unveiled in 2018 as part of 11fountains, the art project in which each of the eleven Frisian cities received a work of art that tells its own story.
The Bat
The Bat in Bolsward is much more than an animal. The sculpture is rich in symbolism. In many cultures, the bat represents good fortune and protection, while also being associated with darkness. It is this contrast that makes the artwork so intriguing.
The staircase across its back invites visitors to climb the sculpture and experience it from a different perspective. Standing beside the Broerekerk, the artwork takes on an added layer of meaning. The eventful history of this place is reflected in its design.
đź“Ť Broereplein, Bolsward
The Bat | Bolsward - nearby
Starting point - for your city trip
In Bolsward, you come across the fountain quite unexpectedly. It immediately catches your eye on the square beside the Broerekerk. Along your route past the 11fountains, this is a place where you will want to pause for a moment.
Step closer, look up and discover the staircase leading across the bat’s back. A different view, a different moment. The square feels different as soon as you stand there.
More inspiration
-
There are 10 more to explore!
See all 11fountainsCurious about the other fountains? Discover ten more fountains and the unique Frisian cities they call home.
-
Discover Bolsward
Explore BolswardSet out to discover Bolsward, one of the eleven Frisian cities, and uncover its hidden gems and favourite spots.
-
Public art
Read moreAlong the Frisian Wadden coast, art and landscape come together. Sense of Place brings ideas to the clay, the dike and the villages. Large-scale artworks. Rugged landscapes.
The 11fountains artwork in Bolsward is called The Bat. It depicts a giant bat with outstretched wings and a staircase leading across its back.
The fountain in Bolsward was designed by Belgian artist Johan Creten.
Der Brunnen befindet sich auf dem Broereplein in Bolsward, direkt neben der Broerekerk.
The bat symbolises good fortune and protection, while also being associated with darkness. This contrast lies at the heart of the artwork.
The staircase invites visitors to climb onto the sculpture and become part of the artwork. This creates a special connection between the artwork and its surroundings.
Yes. The fountain in Bolsward is part of 11fountains, an art project featuring eleven fountains in the eleven Frisian cities.
Johan Creten is a Belgian artist known for sculptures rich in symbolism. Contrasts such as strength and vulnerability play an important role in his work.
The fountain connects with the history of Bolsward and its location beside the Broerekerk. Different periods, stories and meanings come together here.