Editor in chief at IamExpat Media
Stuck for ideas on what to do this Valentine’s day? Get yourself infected with the “love virus” by heading down to the Tunnel of Love in Rotterdam.
In the run-up to February 14th, the Maas Tunnel has been transformed into a glowing Tunnel of Love. Bedecked with 35.000 fluorescent heart-shaped stickers, the pedestrian section of the 580-metre long tunnel has become a dazzling visual spectacle that will melt the hearts of even the most ardent Valentine’s Day haters.
The Tunnel of Love, the work of Dutch artist duo VOLLAERSZWART, is both an expression of love for Rotterdam, and also a birthday present for the Maas Tunnel, which celebrates its 77th birthday on Valentine’s Day.
“We wanted to give Rotterdam a declaration of love”, explains Pascal Zwart. “The city has embraced our work from the beginning.”
VOLLAERSZWART are known for their “city dressing” installations, through which they transform public spaces all over the Netherlands. A few years ago, they covered the Delftse Poort building in Rotterdam with thousands of LED-lights, creating the illusion of a starry sky. The duo has also worked on other city dressing projects in Amsterdam and The Hague.
With this new project, they make Valentine’s Day not just about romantic love but also about love for Dutch cities, spaces and cultures. Rotterdam’s 170 nationalities are, according to Zwart, connected by their love for their city. The artists hope that the display inspires visitors, who are invited to share their own experiences and love declarations on social media, using the hashtag #onzetunneloflove (our tunnel of love).
This is not the first time the Maas Tunnel has hosted displays of love: on its 75th birthday, four couples renewed their marriage vows on the tunnel’s escalators!
If you want to catch it, you need to hurry! The Rotterdam Tunnel of Love is open until Sunday, February 17.
Thumbnail: Gemeente Rotterdam