‘Icons of Amsterdam’ artwork unveiled.

The story of the city

Mayor Femke Halsema carried out the unveiling in the presence of several of those portrayed, including Sjaak Swart, René Froger, Trijntje Oosterhuis and Daphne Koster.

The artwork was developed to mark 750 years of Amsterdam and has been gifted to the city by the ArenA as a lasting tribute. The design is by Amsterdam-based artists Floor Wesseling and Virgil Sana.

The installation spans the entire main entrance, creating an immersive experience in which pillars, walls and ceiling come together. Portraits are displayed across the pillars, collectively telling the story of a city in motion—shaped by people from different eras and backgrounds.

Heroes in the spotlight

The following icons have been given a place in the artwork: Johan Cruijff, Anne Frank, Pa Sem, André Hazes, Annie M.G. Schmidt, Eberhard van der Laan, René Froger and his father Bolle Jan, Sjaak Swart, Trijntje Oosterhuis, Patricia Paay, Marco van Basten, Major Bosshardt, Louis van Gaal, Tina Turner (as the artist who performed the first concert at the ArenA), Jari Litmanen, Johnny Jordaan and Tante Leen, Daphne Koster, Harry Styles, Worthy de Jong, Frank Rijkaard, Aletta Jacobs, Ramses Shaffy, Meester Kwame, Piet Keizer and Siem de Jong.