Gnome 'Butt Plug'

In 2001, the city of Rotterdam commissioned a sculpture by American artist Paul McCarthy. The result: a six-meter-tall bronze Santa Claus holding a stylized Christmas tree. Officially named Santa Claus, locals quickly dubbed it "Kabouter Buttplug" due to the suggestive shape of the tree.

The sculpture was intended as a critique of consumerism and the commercialization of holidays. McCarthy aimed to explore the boundaries of art and public morality. The original location near De Doelen faced opposition from politicians and business owners. After spending several years in a museum courtyard, the statue found a permanent home at Eendrachtsplein in 2008.

Today, Kabouter Buttplug is a beloved and much-discussed part of the city. Tourists eagerly pose with the statue, and it features on postcards and souvenirs. What once began as a controversial piece of art has become a symbol of Rotterdam’s distinct character and humor.