Flakhaven - Sculpture
At the heart of Flakhaven in Odense stands Robert Jacobsen's large iron sculpture. Surrounded by the city hall, historic buildings and everyday city life, it is a striking example of modern public art. Here, you can experience a work that interprets the city around it.
An urban landscape in iron
Robert Jacobsen (1912-1993) was one of Denmark's best-known artists, and his sculptures can be found in museums and public spaces around the world.
At Flakhaven, he created a large iron sculpture inspired by the urban landscape. The work is abstract, but if you look closely, you may notice buildings, chimneys, smoke, clouds and trees transformed into geometric shapes. This balance between the recognisable and the abstract is characteristic of Jacobsen's artistic approach. The sculpture invites each visitor to form their own interpretation of the cityscape surrounding the square.
Modern art in the heart of Odense
Its location is an important part of the experience. The sculpture stands on Flakhaven, which has long been a natural gathering place in Odense. Everyday life, events, history and city life meet here, and the artwork serves as a striking visual landmark in the middle of it all.
When the sculpture was installed in 1988, it sparked debate among local residents. Some saw it as an exciting example of contemporary art, while others found it difficult to relate to its abstract expression. Those differing opinions have since become part of the story of the sculpture, which continues to attract attention from both locals and visitors.
It is not the only artwork on Flakhaven to have inspired discussion. Just a few steps away stands Svend Wiig Hansen's sculpture Oceania, which also received a mixed reception when it was unveiled. Together, the two works help shape the character of Flakhaven and show how public art can spark different reactions and encourage discussion about the city and its development.
Last updated by:VisitOdensejmjen@odense.dk
