Ode to Friendship: The Symbolic Balloon of Leuven
The Ode to Friendship (De Ballon van de Vriendschap) statue in Leuven beautifully captures the essence of friendship. Commissioned by the Association of the Years—a group rooted in Leuven's local tradition—the statue represents the bonds of friendship formed in this historic city.
The Men of the Year (De Jaartabels van Leuven) is a long-standing tradition where each March, a group of men who will turn forty the following year come together to celebrate and form lasting connections. In 1987, this association asked artist Dany Tulkens to create a sculpture symbolizing their collective journey, and the result was an iconic hot air balloon featuring four friends in its basket. Two of these figures are modeled after real people: urologist Hubert Michiels and economist Jacques Vander Eecken, a former dean at KU Leuven. The remaining two figures, one holding a dog and the other lightening the balloon’s load, are fictional.
Crafted from a stainless steel frame designed to withstand severe weather, the balloon’s structure is a testament to strength and durability—just like the friendships it represents. The four men in the basket were originally made from copper, but over time the artwork faced challenges, including the theft of one of the figures, which has never been recovered.
Despite these setbacks, the sculpture—commonly referred to as The Balloon—remains a beloved symbol of unity in Leuven. Today, it can be found in a garden near the Leuven bus station.
The Artistic Vision of Dany Tulkens
Born in Leuven in 1953, Dany Tulkens began his career as a painter before transitioning to three-dimensional sculpture. Known for his mastery of hammered and welded bronze, Tulkens creates realistic works that explore humanity’s relationship with the world. His pieces often incorporate elements of irony, sarcasm, and lightness, reflecting the complexities of human nature. With each sculpture, Tulkens seeks to transcend time and space, crafting art that speaks to universal themes.
A Legacy of Friendship in Leuven
While the statue’s original name, Ode to Friendship, may not be as well-known to the general public, its symbolism resonates deeply within Leuven’s community. The hot air balloon, with its four friends embarking on a journey together, represents more than just a local tradition—it embodies the spirit of camaraderie that has defined the city for generations.
Source: Leuven architecture.pdf
Photo by Aslı Tezcan
