Sacred Houses in Nieuw-West
Cycle along with a guide Jasmin Šporer to four churches in Nieuw-West. Experience the differences between the buildings and discover their role for the neighborhoods; in terms of urban planning, architecture, religion and visual arts. Amsterdam Nieuw-West has 25 churches. The church buildings from the period 1945-1970 tell the story about the creation of this reconstruction area. These are great examples of new spatial and socio-cultural insights from that time. For urban planner and architect Cornelis van Eesteren, the church as a building volume was an ingredient in which he brought variety to the 'monotonous' neighborhoods dominated by housing. With their socio-cultural role, churches also stimulated community building.
During this bike trip to four churches in Slotermeer, we look at urban planning, architecture, religion and visual arts. By walking around the churches, one of which is now a mosque, we really experience the differences between the buildings. The two Roman Catholic churches were inspired by the early Christian basilica. For the Protestant churches, austere Reformed houses of the previous centuries served as examples. The two architectural styles differ as much as the differences between views on tradition and modern. The church to which the faithful belonged was also made clear by monumental art, such as integrated mosaics, concrete reliefs and glass appliqué.
The architectural place of worship concept of that time is now a heritage issue. All four buildings are municipal monuments. New destinations and imminent destruction raise new questions and emotions. Are the churches, so carefully arranged by Van Eesteren on his map, still sacred? What is the future of church buildings in Nieuw-West?
You need your own bike for this bike ride!
During this excursion, we will visit the following two places of worship both inside and outside: Saint Catherine (architects A. Evers and O.J. Sarlemijn, 1955, originally Roman Catholic, now Syrian Orthodox) and Our Lady of Lourdes (architect M.J. Granpré Molière, 1956, originally Roman Catholic, now withdrawn from worship). We only look at the outside of the third church building, because the interior is no longer interesting due to recent changes: De Hoeksteen (architect P. Zanstra, 1963, originally Dutch Reformed, now Baptist Church). In any case, we look at the outside of the fourth prayer house; it is difficult to say beforehand whether the interior can also be viewed at the time of the excursion: The Olive Branch (architect K. Sijmons, 1956, originally Mennonite, now Moroccan mosque).
The bike ride ends around 4 p.m. Under the guidance of architect Judith Korpershoek, we visit the renovated interior of the De Bron church building (architect J. Brouwer, 1965), which was built according to her design.
Despite all the good preparations, it is still possible that access to a church building is not possible. It is desirable to wear appropriate clothing when visiting the prayer room. Please note that when visiting the mosque, the shoes will be taken off at the door. Thicker socks are recommended!
Practical information
time 13:30 - 16:00
Accessibility Watch here the accessibility of the Van Eesteren Museum.
Language of communication Dutch
Location The bike ride starts at the Van Eesteren Museum and ends at the last church building.
Tickets can only be purchased in advance via the website.
