Artwork Unveiled: Happy Daffodils!
On June 29th, a crowd gathered in Bonifacius Park, located in the Burghplan neighborhood, for the unveiling of two concrete sculptures — a tribute to the historic Dutch automobile.
This artwork symbolizes the unique bond between the neighborhood and the DAF factory, which has been a cornerstone of the area since the 1950s, not far from the park.
The Burghplan Residents’ Organization Foundation (SBOB) was closely involved in the idea behind the artwork, created to celebrate the neighborhood’s 65th anniversary.
The sculpture was made by Eindhoven-based artist Jan Wils, who drew inspiration from the Daffodil — a car model introduced by DAF in the early 1960s that evokes warm memories for many local residents.
Even today, it’s common for neighbors to know someone who worked — or still works — at DAF. The sculpture serves as a lasting tribute to the community’s heritage.
The nearby Beppino Sarto primary school also contributed to the design. Pupils were invited to get creative with DAF and designed their own vehicles, giving them a sense of connection to local history.
The name of the artwork was kept secret, and residents were invited to suggest a fitting title. In the presence of Harald Seidel, President-CEO of DAF, it was Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem who had the honor of unveiling the sculptures and their name. Our museum colleague Wibo Pieters added to the festive atmosphere by parking his DAF 33 next to the new artwork.