WILLEMSTAD – The iconic Punda Love Hearts collapsed this morning under the sheer weight of thousands of love locks. According to the Downtown Management Organization (DMO), the incident was not caused by rust, as some speculated, but by the excessive weight of the padlocks attached to the structures over the years. 

Hearts Slowly Topple Over 

At around 10:00 AM, the metal hearts, originally designed by artist Carlos Blaaker, slowly fell. Fortunately, no one was injured. The first heart, installed in 2017, appears to have detached from its screw threads, while the base of another large heart collapsed, and a smaller heart suffered a bent post. 

Despite concerns over rust, DMO insists the hearts were made of galvanized stainless steel, and close inspection reveals little to no visible rust. 

Removal and Restoration Plans 

DMO aims to remove the structures by Friday, likely requiring a crane truck due to their immense weight. While it remains uncertain what will happen next, the organization has expressed its intention to restore and reinstall the hearts. 

However, removing some of the locks will be necessary to reduce weight. "It’s not an easy decision," said DMO board member Gerald van Ramesdonk. "These locks symbolize love for many people—you can’t just throw them away." 

A Popular Landmark with a Romantic Legacy 

The first Punda Love Heart was installed in 2017, inspired by the famous Pont Neuf bridge in Paris. Due to its popularity, two additional large hearts and one smaller heart were added over time. 

Many tourists arrive on the island prepared with personalized locks, already engraved with names and dates, eager to leave their mark on the hearts. 

Despite the collapse, the beloved landmark is expected to return soon, ensuring that Curaçao’s symbol of love remains intact for future visitors.