A Symbol of Friendship & Tradition
Nestled in a garden near the Leuven bus station, the Ode to Friendship (De Ballon van de Vriendschap) is more than just a sculpture—it’s a testament to the power of lifelong connections. This beloved artwork was commissioned by the Association of the Years, a group tied to Leuven’s historic tradition of friendship and community.
The Men of the Year: A Time-Honored Leuven Tradition
Each March, Leuven’s Men of the Year (De Jaartallen van Leuven) gather—a unique tradition where men who will turn forty the following year form a lifelong bond through shared celebrations and activities.
To commemorate their journey, this group commissioned artist Dany Tulkens in 1987 to create a sculpture symbolizing their collective spirit. The result? A striking hot air balloon with four friends in its basket, symbolises unity, adventure, and the strength of friendship.
The Artistic Vision Behind the Balloon
🎨 A Unique Blend of Real & Fictional Figures
- Two figures are based on real people:
- Hubert Michiels, a renowned urologist.
- Jacques Vander Eecken, an economist and former dean at KU Leuven.
- The other two figures—one holding a dog and another lightening the balloon’s load—are fictional, yet they represent universal themes of companionship and shared journeys.
🔧 Crafted for Durability & Symbolism
- The sculpture features a stainless steel frame, built to withstand all weather conditions—a nod to the enduring nature of true friendship.
- The four men were originally made of copper, but over time, the sculpture faced challenges, including the theft of one figure, which was never recovered.
- Despite these setbacks, the statue remains a cherished symbol of unity in Leuven.
The Artistic Legacy of Dany Tulkens
Born in Leuven in 1953, Dany Tulkens started his career as a painter before transitioning to sculpture, where he became known for his mastery of hammered and welded bronze.
His artworks explore humanity’s relationship with the world, often incorporating irony, sarcasm, and lightness. The Ode to Friendship is a perfect example of his ability to blend realism with deeper symbolic meaning.
Source: Leuven architecture.pdf
Photo by Aslı Tezcan