City Secrets Rotterdam

Valkhoff Monument

An emperor's short stop in a stubborn city.

1 min readSchilderstraat 5

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In 1998, Rotterdam unveiled a tribute to musician and songwriter Jaap Valkhoff. In 1961, he wrote lyrics for “Hand in Hand, Kameraden,” now the anthem of Feyenoord football club. The melody had earlier origins—composed by Wilhelm Speidel—but Valkhoff's words gave it fresh meaning. His family sought a permanent tribute to his impact. Artist Cor Kraat designed a glass monument, depicting Valkhoff’s passions: theatre, the sea, nightlife, and the spirit of Rotterdam. Though Valkhoff passed away before the unveiling, he was posthumously awarded the Erasmus Pin in 1992. His monument now stands proudly in the city he loved.

Map showing Schilderstraat 5, 3011 ER Rotterdam, Netherlands
Schilderstraat 5, 3011 ER Rotterdam, NetherlandsRotterdam
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Sources. Story: Source Story: Photos: Source Photo: Wikifrits, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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