JH Baas Speculaasjes (1957)

These two sculptures originally stood on either side of the former station building, a design by architect Sybold van Ravesteyn. Van Ravesteyn originally played with the idea of ​​asking the famous British artist Henry Moore to make these sculptures. He visited London for this purpose, but this would prove financially unfeasible. That is why Van Ravesteyn commissioned his employee and assistant JH Baas to design something in the spirit of Moore. Some see a coming or going traveler in the two sculptures, but according to a newspaper clipping from the NRC of May 20, 1957 'the objects do not depict travellers, but are ornamental figures that work well decoratively and that also have a certain character with their combination of mathematical figures; dynamics, regularity, order, clarity'. According to the unknown author of the piece, these were 'certainly typical characteristics of the railway company'. Over time, the sculptures have been given the nickname 'Speculaasjes', but where this comes from is unknown. Fortunately, the 'Speculaasjes' were preserved during the renovation of Central Station and have been visible to the general public again since August 2013. The 6-meter-high limestone statues have been replaced on the first and last platforms and are visible when you go through the bicycle tunnel. But as a tribute to Van Ravesteyn and JH Baas, Team CS has returned the image in even more places. The figures are incorporated into the walls of the station hall as a repeating pattern. And even more spectacular – the 'Speculaasjes' can also be seen from a great height. Thousands of solar cells have been installed on the glass roof of the station and the contours of the 'Speculaasjes' are shown. A wonderful gesture after almost 60 years!