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All the Netherlands Leiden 'Zhdun' (Homunculus Loxodontus)

'Zhdun' (Homunculus Loxodontus)

This Dutch art piece became a Russian icon.

Leiden, Netherlands

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CoolCrab
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Homunculus Loxodontus   Bic
Homunculus Loxodontus   Bic
Front view in the entrance hall   Flaneuse / Atlas Obscura User
Over the sholder   Flaneuse / Atlas Obscura User
Side by side   Flaneuse / Atlas Obscura User
Homunculus Loxodontus   Zlelik2000
Homunculus Loxodontus   Zlelik2000
  Olga Lisina / Atlas Obscura User
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About

When entering the Leiden University Medical Center, one may not expect to come across a sculpture of a strange creature. 

"Homunculus Loxodontus" was the name given to a humanoid, elephant seal sculpture crafted by Margriet van Breevoort in 2016. It was designed for a yearly statue exhibition in the city. The sculpture was voted most popular by the people and was purchased by the hospital shortly after. It was the second sculpture Van Breevoort created and her most popular work to date. 

The patiently waiting creature somehow struck a chord with many people and eventually became the most photographed object in the city for a short while. Just as the buzz around the piece was dying down, a Russian-speaking tourist came across the statue in early 2017 and published its image on Russian-speaking social media websites. The sculpture was then transformed into an immensely popular meme.

The statue got the Russian name "Zhdun," roughly translated to "the one who waits." Shortly after, the image could be found on various objects such as toys. Replica statues were also crafted, and a cartoon was commissioned featuring the character.

Meanwhile, the original is still patiently waiting in the hall of the hospital, often visited by tourists. 

Related Tags

Sculptures Art History & Culture Pop Culture

Know Before You Go

The hospital is open 24/7 and freely accessible. The statue is usually at the main entrance, but does get moved from time to time. If you can't find it, just ask the person at the desk.

Community Contributors

Added By

CoolCrab

Edited By

Flaneuse, Olga Lisina

  • Flaneuse
  • Olga Lisina

Published

November 6, 2020

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Sources
  • https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homunculus_Loxodontus
  • https://vsuete.com/homunculus-loxodontus-eternally-waiting-humanoid-monument/
'Zhdun' (Homunculus Loxodontus)
2 Albinusdreef
Leiden, 2333 ZA
Netherlands
52.16618, 4.478423
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Anatomisch Museum Leiden

Leiden, Netherlands

miles away

De stal van Stier Herman

Leiden, Netherlands

miles away

Israël Kiek Memorial

Leiden, Netherlands

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Leiden

Leiden

Netherlands

Places 45
Stories 1

Nearby Places

Anatomisch Museum Leiden

Leiden, Netherlands

miles away

De stal van Stier Herman

Leiden, Netherlands

miles away

Israël Kiek Memorial

Leiden, Netherlands

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Leiden

Leiden

Netherlands

Places 45
Stories 1

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