Broken Circle/Spiral Hill

**Designed by artist Robert Smithson, this unique spiral artwork is tucked away in Emmen. **

• In a privately owned quarry, hidden to most tourists, lies a spiral artwork by American artist Robert Smithson. Completed in the 1970s, this was Smithson’s last industrial land reclamation project and the only artwork of its kind by him located outside the USA. It is a unique sight to see in Drenthe! But nothing good comes without effort.
• After being sold to private owners in 2019, Broken Circle/Spiral Hill is more difficult to reach. We only recommend visiting on open days as this is private property! The Holt/Smith Foundation occasionally holds talks and events when you can visit the artwork.
• The project has two names because it is two artworks in one. Broken Circle is an earthen work of 43 m (140 ft) in diameter with a small path out to the water and canal. Spiral Hill acts as a viewing platform for the Broken Circle and adds an extra otherworldly feeling to the art.