About the church

House of stories

In the heart of the city stands the Grote Kerk Breda. Light and elegant, it towers above the city centre. For centuries it has stood at the centre of society, both literally and figuratively.

History is tangible in this church. There are countless treasures to discover. From ancient murals to the monumental mausoleum of the Nassaus, the ancestors of the Dutch royal family.

History

The first mention of a stone church 'denne stenne monster te Breda' dates back to 1269, more than 750 years ago. That's how long the Grote Kerk Breda has existed. The church is impressive from both the outside and inside. The designation of national monument and Top Monument of Brabant is for good reason. In the Prinsenkapel (Prince's Chapel), with vault paintings with details in pure gold leaf, ancestors of the Dutch royal family are laid to rest. Because the history of the royal family starts here, in Breda. 

Partners

The Grote Kerk Breda is a dynamic platform for art and culture and a social meeting place that has a lot to offer anyone who feels the need to connect, seeks wonder or is enthusiastic about innovation. 

Restoration work

The Grote Kerk Breda is an important national monument, Top Monument of Brabant and icon of the city of Breda. And we want to keep it that way. That is why the maintenance and restoration work is continuous. Until 2027, we are carrying out a restoration programme on the outside of the church, the ambulatory. Every year the restoration work progresses further. 

Hire the church

It is possible to organise an event in the Grote Kerk Breda, as long as it is in keeping with the church's principles. There are four spaces that you can combine as you wish. So there is room for any event: big or small. We like to help you find solutions. Chairs, catering or technology; we provide support where necessary. 

View the floor plan of the Grote Kerk Breda

Education

How do you give a contemporary purpose to a building that originally had a religious function? The Grote Kerk Breda actively pursues this question. For more than 750 years, this extraordinary building has been a house of stories that moves along with the changing world. 

Organisation

The Foundation 'Grote of Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk te Breda' has defined its mission as follows: By preserving this cultural religious heritage for posterity and for its perception by the current generation, the Foundation gives substance to the sustainability of our society. The key words here are maintenance for preservation, conscientious stewardship and creative use.

House rules