Viva La Vida

This eleven-metre-tall sculpture by Spanish artist Juan Ripollés has stood on the square in front of the Rodahal cultural centre in Kerkrade — just across the border from Herzogenrath — since its unveiling on 27 July 2017. The work assembles oversized, vividly painted musical instruments into a towering figure whose title, 'Viva La Vida', loosely translates as 'Long live life', intended to signal a colourful new chapter for the city. The municipality acquired it as part of a deliberate rebranding effort, reportedly at a cost of around ten euros per resident — a price tag that fuelled local debate. Visitor responses remain divided: some praise its bold optimism, others find the scale and colour palette overwhelming. As a free-standing piece in open public space it can be viewed at any hour and now serves as an informal landmark at the entrance to the Rodahal.