Floor Jansen Honored with Bronze Statue in Reuver: A Symbol of Strength and Symphonic Power
In a heartfelt ceremony that drew fans from across Europe, a bronze statue of Floor Jansen, the acclaimed Dutch symphonic metal vocalist and lead singer of Nightwish, was unveiled today in her hometown of Reuver, Limburg.
Standing over two meters tall, the statue captures Jansen in her signature commanding stage pose—microphone in hand, eyes lifted skyward, and long hair flowing as though caught mid-performance. The sculpture, created by Dutch artist Lotte van Dijk, was commissioned by the Limburg Cultural Heritage Fund in recognition of Jansen’s contributions to Dutch music, female empowerment in metal, and her role as a global ambassador for symphonic metal.
> “Floor Jansen represents resilience, artistry, and the global reach of Dutch talent,” said Mayor Anke Vissers during the unveiling. “This statue is not just about her voice—it’s about her strength, her authenticity, and her ability to inspire.”
Jansen, 44, attended the event alongside her family and gave an emotional speech to the crowd of several thousand gathered in the town square.
> “I never imagined something like this,” she said. “To stand here and see myself cast in bronze—it’s humbling. I share this honor with every artist who dares to dream loud and live louder.”
A Career Worth Celebrating
Floor Jansen rose to prominence with After Forever, then ReVamp, and gained international acclaim after joining Nightwish in 2013. She is also a celebrated solo artist and was widely praised for her appearance on the Dutch TV show Beste Zangers, which introduced her voice to mainstream pop audiences.
The statue’s base features an inscription:
“Let the silence sing and the metal speak – Floor Jansen”
—a quote adapted from her interviews about the power of contrast in music.
Fans React
Fans made pilgrimages from as far as Finland, Germany, and Brazil to attend the event, many wearing Nightwish shirts or carrying lyric posters.
> “She’s the voice of a generation,” said Leena Mäkinen, a fan from Helsinki. “This statue means more than art—it’s a tribute to every girl who was told rock isn’t for her.”
The statue is part of a growing initiative to honor influential Dutch artists in public spaces. It will remain a permanent fixture in Reuver’s Muziekplein, now renamed Floor Jansen Square.
