Seru Papaya Prayer Stairs
The Seru Papaya Stairs are a participatory public-art project developed in 2023 in collaboration with residents of the Seru Papaya neighborhood and artist Lena Davidovich. Originally the only pedestrian connection between two parts of the area, the staircase was transformed into a shared place of encounter through workshops with local youth and community members.The project reimagines everyday infrastructure as a cultural meeting point within the landscape. Located on one of the hills of Willemstad, the stairs now function not only as a route, but also as a place to pause, gather, and reflect.In 2026, the site gained an additional layer of meaning with the inclusion of Psalm 16 in four languages—Papiamentu, Dutch, Spanish, and English—after which the staircase became known as the Prayer Stairs. The project also carries a commemorative dimension and continues to serve as a symbol of connection between people and the surrounding neighborhood. Today, the Seru Papaya Prayer Stairs stand as an example of how collaborative art in public space can strengthen community identity while creating a lasting shared landmark.