Equestrian Statue of William II

This statue depicts King William II, ruler of the Netherlands from 1840-1849, sitting atop a horse.

To honour King William II's contribution to obtaining Luxembourg's independence from Belgium in1839, the statue was first commissioned by the Luxembourg government in the late 19th century. August Falise, a Dutch sculptor, constructed it, and it was inaugurated in 1903 in front of the Luxembourg City Hall. InThe Equestrian Statue of William II is regarded as a masterwork of public art in addition to its historical relevance. The statue, which is nearly 10 metres tall and fashioned of bronze, has fine details that depict the movement of the horse and the king's regal posture.

The statue was shelled during World War II, and it was later repaired in the 1950s. It continues to be a significant landmark in Luxembourg City and a representation of the fight for independence and sovereignty of the nation.

The statue has generated significant debate in recent years, with some opponents advocating for its removal because it is linked to Luxembourg's colonial past and honours a monarch who ruled over an empire of colonies. Others contend that the statue should be preserved and understood in its appropriate setting because it is a significant historical artefact.