“The three hares” was the winner of the competition for a work of art on the renovated market square.
This group of statues has become one of the most important landmarks in the cityscape and refers to the hair cutting workshops where the hair of rabbits and hares was prepared to make felt hats. Lokeren was the world centre of this industry in the 19th and the first half of the 20th century.
The three identical hares in stainless steel are symbolically positioned: the hare on the Market Square looks towards the museum, the industrial past. The hare in the middle looks towards the renovated market and further towards the new industrial estates, the economic future. The hare on the edge of the water is facing the Durme valley and the sub-municipalities of Eksaarde and Daknam, the green present.
A poem was also engraved in each hare, both in normal script and in Braille.

Source: Lokeren Sculpture Walk

Translated by Google •

Katrien

February 15, 2025

In 2011, the Lokerse Markt was redesigned. And a new Markt calls for a new work of art. It has become a cheerful work of art, close to the Durme. The three hares by artist Luc De Backer were chosen by a jury. The hares were chosen from more than fifty submitted designs. The work of art is made of stainless steel, in a sleek modern design.

A modern look, but with a reference to our rich Lokeren past. In this way, the work of art is closely linked to the nearby City Museum. They each tell a special part of Lokeren's history in their own way. Since the 18th century and until the mid-1950s, Lokeren was the world centre of the rabbit and hare hair industry. A preparatory industry in which rabbit and hare skins are processed for making felt hats all over the world.

The artist found it important to create an object that is recognisable to everyone in the city. According to the artist, humour is an often neglected element in public art. Humor can bring contemporary art to people in a nice, light-hearted and non-intellectual way. Hence a playful work of art, which can be appreciated by many people.

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 12 November

15°C

11°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Lokeren, Sint-Niklaas, East Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Fietsbrug Ter Beuken

Dwars door de Hamputten

Kasteel Verloren Bos

Pluisjesbos - Molsbroek (Lokeren)

Sint-Laurentiuskerk

Natuurreservaat De Linie

Wooden Pergola in Park van Lokeren

Pad door de Hagemeersen

Eendenkooi en Kooihuisje Donkmeer

Oud Pomphuis 1928 Moervaart

Turfput Walking Trail

De Buylaers Nature Reserve

Hare Group (2012)

1. Molsbroek Visitor Center – Molsbroek Nature Reserve loop from Lokeren

2. Straight through the Hamputten – Molsbroek Visitor Center loop from Bergendries

3. Molsbroek Nature Reserve – Molsbroek Visitor Center loop from Lokeren

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️