Public Art & Statues

Middelkerke and Westende feature a diverse open-air gallery along the Belgian coast. The collection is anchored by a series of bronze statues celebrating Belgium's rich comic strip heritage, alongside permanent contemporary installations from the Beaufort triennial. Highlights include Wim Delvoye’s intricate Gothic-style machinery and Ivars Drulle’s sound-focused sculptures, which interact with the North Sea landscape. This selection spans from traditional monuments and local folklore figures to avant-garde works by internationally recognized artists.

Ezel 'Bébèr'

A bronze sculpture honoring the traditional nickname for the residents of Westende.

Freddy Maertens

A tribute to the legendary Belgian cyclist and two-time world champion.

The Navigator Monument

An abstract monument created by Simon Spierer, located on the sea dike.

I Can Hear It

Two large bronze horns by Ivars Drulle, designed to amplify the sounds of the wind and sea as part of the Beaufort triennial.

Caterpillar #5bis

A laser-cut corten steel sculpture by Wim Delvoye, merging the form of a construction excavator with intricate Gothic architecture.

Olnetop

A bright yellow, organic sculpture by Nick Ervinck, inspired by the movement of sea foam and coral.

Jerom

Bronze depiction of the super-strong character from Willy Vandersteen's comic series, Suske en Wiske.

Marsupilami

Statue of the iconic long-tailed exotic creature created by André Franquin.

De Rode Ridder

A statue representing the medieval hero from the classic Flemish comic series by Willy Vandersteen.

Agent 212

Bronze figure of the bumbling police officer from the comic series by Raoul Cauvin and Daniel Kox.

Natasja

Sculpture of the adventurous flight attendant character created by François Walthéry.

Fleris

A sculpture representing a character from local folklore.