The bust of Nicolaus Copernicus, missing for nearly 60 years, was ceremoniously unveiled at Copernicusplein in The Hague on July 5, 2024. The event celebrated the restoration and return of the historic monument.
Rediscovery and Restoration
On July 5, 2024, a significant cultural event took place in The Hague with the unveiling of a bust of Nicolaus Copernicus at Copernicusplein. This monument, missing since 1965, was rediscovered and restored through the collective efforts of local residents and officials. The initiative, sparked by an article read by a local institution in 2023, set off a year-long search by the residents of Segbroek, who were determined to find their lost piece of history. The successful restoration and return of the bust culminated in a ceremony that honored Copernicus’s enduring legacy.
Ceremonial Unveiling and Community Celebration
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Piotr Samerek, Head of the Political and Economic Section of the Embassy, along with representatives of the city and district authorities, local residents, and Dutch media. The bust was placed prominently on a building at Copernicusplein, symbolizing a reunion with its historic home. The event drew significant attention, with TV West planning to broadcast a detailed report on the ceremony. This occasion not only marked the return of the bust but also reinforced the community’s connection to its cultural heritage.