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.
But this church is more than just an iconic building. It is a place of encounters: for young and old and from diverse backgrounds. With an innovative and varied programme, we link the stories of today to those of the centuries-old church. Discover this dynamic place full of stories, art, culture and knowledge.
Gewelfschilderingen Prinsenkapel. Foto: Arjan Bronkhorst
Wonder and innovation
The Grote Kerk Breda is not only the icon of the city, but also a national monument, one of the four Top Monuments of Brabant and part of the ‘Grootste Museum van Nederland’. And for good reason. The church is unique thanks to its distinctive architectural style: Brabant Gothic with the oldest Renaissance art in the Netherlands. It was here in Breda that this originally Italian movement first crossed the border.
This is also the church where the (Orange) Nassaus, the earliest ancestors of the Dutch royal house, are laid to rest. In the 15th century, they made the church into the monument we know today and found their final resting place here.
House of stories
Today, the Grote Kerk Breda is a house of stories. A place where we connect innovation and the here-and-now to its rich history, to the stories of the church, and to the society of the past. And we do this from a contemporary viewpoint. Because history gives us perspective. It shows us how things were back then, and what we can learn from that. It shows us that the past is not so far away at all. And makes us feel connected: through our ancestors and history.
Foto: Edwin Wiekens
Partners
We do not create those stories alone. The Grote Kerk Breda is a dynamic platform for art and culture and a social meeting place that has a lot to offer everyone who feels the need to connect, seeks out wonder or is enthusiastic about innovation. We compile the programming together with a broad network of partners, contemporary creators, entrepreneurs, education and social organisations. In this way, we collect and tell stories that are relatable to different audiences, regardless of their age, origin, background or religion. These stories are there for everyone.
Hillen orgel Grote Kerk Breda. Foto: Jan Korebrits
Hillen organ
The Hillen organ in the Grote Kerk Breda is a real gem. It was completed in its current form by organ builders D.A. Flentrop in 1969. The manner in which the most recent addition to the organ was carried out is typical of the work of this organ builder in the 1960s, giving the instrument a unique place in the period of post-war reconstruction. In addition, part of the organ dates back to the early 16th century. The Nassaus, ancestors of our royal family including Henry III of Nassau and René de Chalon, will have listened to the sounds of this organ.
