Birth locks for children from Oosterheem
In Oosterheem, on the island in the Heem Canal, there has been a special work of art since 2013: Birthmark by artist Hans van Houwelingen. This 11-meter-high tower with a staircase around it has a special meaning for the residents of Oosterheem. Birthmarks hang from the artwork. "It is a monument to everyone born in this neighborhood. The monument grows as time passes," according to artist Hans van Houwelingen.
Because of the Heemdag in Oosterheem, the municipality of Zoetermeer again issued birth pendant locks. Through an application form, parents and caregivers could apply between August 22 and October 1, 2025. Children born in Oosterheem, or whose parents or caregivers lived here at the time of birth, could have a lock engraved with their first name and date of birth and attached to the artwork. Each new clasp makes the artwork a little more full and meaningful.
Did you request a birth padlock during the period August 22 and October 1, 2025? Then don't forget to pick it up at the Zoetermeer Engraving Service, Velddreef 173, 2727 CE in Zoetermeer.
Visual art is an important part of Zoetermeer's urban culture. Since Zoetermeer grew from a village into a city in the 1960s, there has always been a focus on art in public spaces. Art gives the city character and makes it special for residents and visitors. For more information, visit the page www.zoetermeer.nl/kunst.
