Searching for Utopia Statue by J. Fabre

Known to every Namur resident without exception, Jan Fabre’s statue Searching for Utopia is a must-see stop as you explore the citadel. In 2015, Namur hosted a major exhibition called Facing Time Rops/Fabre, aiming to bring together two renowned artists: Félicien Rops, a local son, and Jan Fabre, an Antwerp sculptor famous for his provocative works. The highlight of this event was the “turtle,” as it’s now called, which has since become a landmark in Namur, seemingly overseeing the entire area from its rocky outcrop. A faithful copy of a piece shown at the Nieuport art triennial, the statue appears to depict its creator riding a sea creature, its shimmering reflection visible all the way to the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers. But don’t worry, you don’t have to go that far to see that it’s incredibly Instagram-worthy!