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beelikejFor my most recent long weekend off, I started planning in April when tickets for the Flowerparade in the small town of Zundert went on sale; I've been to this yearly festive event before (in 2016 [LJ and 2018 [LJ] -it's on every first Sunday of September-, but it's a long daytrip from where I live, so this time I wanted to treat myself to a hotel nearby, in Breda. I added extra days before and after, to also have an opportunity to explore that city in the South of the Netherlands. I did a boat trip around Breda and discovered an artproject with murals all over town, so even before the main goal of my visit, my cameras were doing overtime, heehee. I came home with nearly 1000 photos, haha!
I'll start with a picspam of my days in Breda and will share my Flowerparade visit later.
If you can't wait to see the Flowerparade, I have already posted a couple of videos of that over at my YouTube. (I will be adding more to the playlist Bloemencorso Zundert 2024 soon!)
Day 1: An afternoon in Breda
Parked my bicycle at the station (and yes, I always take a picture, so I can remember where to find it upon my return;). Bought lunch for the trainride (about 2.5 hours!) - Dutch pistolet with Filet Americain (also known as (americain) preparé) and egg + chocolatemilk :-)
Arrived in Breda after three, so I could immediately check into my hotel, right next to the station. I love the citymap on the wall!
Left my backpack and walked to town: I followed the red ants along the way (Found a naked one as well :-)
There's a big city park in between the station and the city centre with right at the entrance the impressive Nassau-Baronie Monument (Pierre Cuypers, 1904). It was made in remembrance of the 500 year connection between Breda and the Dutch royal family. In 1404 Engelbrecht van Nassau married the wealthy Johanna van Polanen from Breda, which was the beginning of the Nassau dynasty.
Park Valkenburg is very green this time of year.
Breda Castle dates back to the 12th century (inherited by the Nassau family through marriage in 1404). Since 1826 it houses the Royal Military Academy (Koninklijke Militaire Academie (KMA)).
Moat around Breda Castle and a storm drain with the logo of Breda!
The Grote Kerk (Large Church or Church of Our Lady, 1547) and the Blind Walls Gallery initiated a contemporary art project Church Inside Out to cover the construction site fence.
From left to right: Grote Kerk text - Pink Panther Paints (Jasmine Roemendael, 2020) / 2 pieces by Franky Sticks (2020) inspired by the fabulous woodcarvings on the ‘mercy seats’ in the choir stalls / Symbols of Death & Life by Kelly Christogiannis (2020)
Manhole cover with Breda's coat of arms.
Statue of Judith with the Head of Holofernes (World War II monument by Niel Steenbergen, 1952). The animal heads at her feet represent the four cardinal virtues: prudence (rooster), fortitude (lion), justice (ostrich), temperance (elephant). (Location: Grote Markt)
Old back exit gate (1615) of the Vleeshal (meat-hall, the only place where fresh meat was allowed to be sold)
View of shoppingstreets (Brugstraat & Vismarktstraat)
I spent quite some time looking for the docking area in the harbour, because I wanted to do a boat tour. Turns out I was the only one, but that didn't matter, I got a private tour on the river Mark all around Breda!
White building is the old post office (1880). View from the water on Breda Castle!
Straight ahead: Folly Lighthouse, art-installation by Aldo Rossi (1992)
On starboard: The Koepelgevangenis (Johan Frederik Metzelaar, 1882) is a former prison (until 2013), constructed as a panopticon. Currently in use as housing for refugees.
Watertower (Jan Schotel, 1893)
Monumental white houses at Generaal van der Plaatstraat in style of Functionalism (F. Mol, 1934)
And we're back at the Breda Castle, the old Post office and the Grote Kerk of Breda. What a lovely relaxing boatride. I make a short walk around the church for some last photos before dinner:)
Old details on Grote Kerk (Large Church or Church of Our Lady, 1547) and new art on the panels covering the restauration site as part of the Church Inside-Out project: artworks by MonkeyBird Crew inspired by the floral ornaments that can be seen on the marble suits of armor in the “Princes' Chapel” and the colorful vault paintings.
Dinner at El Puerto: a Virgin Mojito with strawberry (recommended!), Iberico Grillfingers (boneless spareribs;) and for dessert Moelleux (hot chocolatecake with vanilla icecream and whipped cream)
Statue of Willem III van Oranje-Nassau (1921, Toon Dupuis)
In the city Park I spotted Hercules booty and had to take a closer look :-D
Could not make out what Herculas was leaning on: is that a tentacle? o_O
Cool appartmentbuilding De Poort on the east side of the city Park.
Back at the Nassau-Baronie Monument (Pierre Cuypers, 1904) and the trainstation in the background.
I need my roomkeycard to activate the elevator in the hotel, fancy!
End of day one (and this was only an afternoon, it feels like I've been here a week already)
Day 2: Cyclingtour Murals
On Saturday I slept in a little. With a scheduled walkingtour in the evening, I don't want to walk a lot during the day, so I decided to rent a bike (extremely cheap with my public transport card: only € 4,55 for a full day!). I found information about the Blind Wall project with murals all around Breda which I bring as a guide; I discovered a lot of additional art along the way:)
Yesterday evening I bought a croissant and jam with orange juice at a nearby supermarket, that's my breakfast.
I'm not even two minutes on the way and I come across a glorious fountain, so I have to park my bike and walk around it to take pictures from every angle (don't worry, I'll only share one;-)
La Source - Pascale Marthine Tayou (2018)
Water artwork De Veerman (The Ferryman) where people can share stories on the river (Part of project Love for the Mark)
Mural cyber woman by Super A (Stefan Thelen, 2013)
Imagineer (graphic text) by Ben Eine (2016, series of four texts)
Storytelling (graphic text) by Ben Eine (2016, series of four texts)
Across the water I spotted three words that did not make sense: "via ik Breda"
I learned I missed a word to complete the sentence "Ik ga via Breda" - it's an iron artwork by Nina Lenting (2016) made to be seen from the train; the railway bridge is to the left of my photo. The letters have different heights, but will appear the same size from the right point of view.
This sanitation station is covered with art by Hedof (2015), a famous illustrator from Breda.
Breda Jazz Festiwall by Joren Joshua (2022)
The circle with portraits of all the people in the neighbourhood is not part of the Blind Walls project, but still a cool piece!
Chocolate factory by Frau Isa (2019); two murals in remembrance of the Kwatta Cocoa factory that stood on this site from 1913-1979. The Kwatta soldier was on the wrapper of the chocolate (if you saved enough of them, you could hand them in for a toy soldier), the girl represents the young women who worked in the factory.
I loved the sign on the bicycle path, when my mom saw it she noticed it has 076 in it, the areacode for Breda, so clever!
Another version of the manhole cover with the Breda coat of arms.
Wall inspired by flash tattoo's by tattoo artist Rutger Termohlen (2017)
Black and grey Robo Dino by MCity (2016)
This is where I got off my bike to get some lunch in the city centre. I parked in one of the bicycle parking garages (free;) and strolled into town, where I came across more wall art!
A quote from Hans van Mierlo, spoken on a 1968 congress; art by Bijdevleet (2022) - "We have to create a Revolution before it breaks out." (Hans van Mierlo was co-founder of political party Democrats '66 and later, in 1994, became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs)
Detail of the old back exit gate (1615) of the Vleeshal (Meat-Hall)
Alida & Annie by Levi Jacobs (2021) - painting of a girl, inspired by a portrait of students of the former 'domestic science/home economics school across the street.
In 1849, The Order of Franciscan Sisters settled in that building, which they renamed ‘Liefdegesticht’, the Asylum of Love.
Lunch at Bakkertje Bol: Quiche with forrestfruitsmoothie.
Sint-Antoniuscathedral (1837) with sculpture representing 'Religion'
Interior of Sint-Antoniuscathedral (1837)
Mural Epic Stories by Hedof (2020), Location: Markendaalseweg.
There was a lot of roadwork all around Breda, this warning sign "HEY cyclist", made me laugh, apparently a lot of cyclists ignored the instruction to step off their bikes and walk, so the long text explains it's faster and cheaper to follow the 135m detour instead of risking a 79 euro fine by cycling on the footpath.
Old ice factory (1907-1940) - not icecream, but the production and storage of iceblocks for butchers :-)
I loved the new architecture in Breda, this apartmenttower at the Nieuwenstraat looks like a modern castle!
This tiny building used to be a hotel and catering school which inspired this mural featuring tableware by Maikki Rantala (2016).
Set of murals by Twee Muizen (2019) dedicated to Maria van Antwerpen (1719-1781), a maid from Breda who dressed like a man to enlisted as a soldier three times and married a woman twice (as Jan van Ant/Machiel van Antwerpen).
Mural De Maria Hemelvaartkerk by Isakov (2020)
Wings of Paradise by Hedof (2018)
Graffiti by unknown artists
Ode to St. Joost by Gé Smit (2022) St. Joost is the art academy of Breda, Gé created portraits of (graphic) artists and designers.
The rat mural by Rutger Termohlen, Collin van der Sluijs & Super A (2014) was inspired by the 15th century St Joost chapel. Saint Joost was the patronsaint of people who suffered from the black plague and other contagious diseases.
Part of Ode to Queensday by Stephen ESPO Powers (2014) - From 1891 until 2013 Queensday was a Dutch national holiday to celebrate the Queen's birthday (we did not have a King); in 2014 was the first Kingsday.
In this colourful mural by Mike Perry (2014) there's a hidden poem about Breda by Frank Nicolas
Clowns, Animals & Freaks by Johan Moorman (2015) is inspired by a feud between two rival circuses that arrived in Breda at the same time in 1988.
Monumental building: de Kloosterkazerne / Monastery barracks (1504)
Funky pavement marking to show the way:)
Holy Saint Catherine by Studio Anti-Held (2022) - inspired by a Caravaggio painting (1598) and made to honour city archeology.
Bronze sculpture Walger (Disgusted) - Karel Goudsblom (1994)
Het Wit Lam - Sam van der Weijden (2020), a mural in the Poort van Schoenmakers, in three parts: a map of old Breda on the ceiling + Demeter, godess of agriculture and a White Lamb, together they represent the old farm that used to stand on this location.
Former courthouse (1890, Willem Cornelis Metzelaar)
Sculpture Liefdespaar (Couple in love, 1988, Frank Letterie)
Last stretch of the cycle tour, back to the railroadtracks with two murals underneath the tracks: one on the side of the cars and one next to the sidewalk, together capturing the spirit of Backer & Rueb, builders of steam locomotives.
Crying Trains by Joren Joshua (2018)
The mural is 130 metres long and also features Cornelius (Cor) van Gogh, younger brother of painter Vincent van Gogh, who worked at this factory for a while. The factory was closed in 1993
One last glance at the mural before I rush back to the station to hand in my bicycle and catch the bus to Zundert for that scheduled evening walk.
To be continued!
J.
X-posted to https://beelikej.livejournal.com/584674.html
Lurk or comment wherever you like:)
I'll start with a picspam of my days in Breda and will share my Flowerparade visit later.
If you can't wait to see the Flowerparade, I have already posted a couple of videos of that over at my YouTube. (I will be adding more to the playlist Bloemencorso Zundert 2024 soon!)
Day 1: An afternoon in Breda
Parked my bicycle at the station (and yes, I always take a picture, so I can remember where to find it upon my return;). Bought lunch for the trainride (about 2.5 hours!) - Dutch pistolet with Filet Americain (also known as (americain) preparé) and egg + chocolatemilk :-)
Arrived in Breda after three, so I could immediately check into my hotel, right next to the station. I love the citymap on the wall!
Left my backpack and walked to town: I followed the red ants along the way (Found a naked one as well :-)
There's a big city park in between the station and the city centre with right at the entrance the impressive Nassau-Baronie Monument (Pierre Cuypers, 1904). It was made in remembrance of the 500 year connection between Breda and the Dutch royal family. In 1404 Engelbrecht van Nassau married the wealthy Johanna van Polanen from Breda, which was the beginning of the Nassau dynasty.
Park Valkenburg is very green this time of year.
Breda Castle dates back to the 12th century (inherited by the Nassau family through marriage in 1404). Since 1826 it houses the Royal Military Academy (Koninklijke Militaire Academie (KMA)).
Moat around Breda Castle and a storm drain with the logo of Breda!
The Grote Kerk (Large Church or Church of Our Lady, 1547) and the Blind Walls Gallery initiated a contemporary art project Church Inside Out to cover the construction site fence.
From left to right: Grote Kerk text - Pink Panther Paints (Jasmine Roemendael, 2020) / 2 pieces by Franky Sticks (2020) inspired by the fabulous woodcarvings on the ‘mercy seats’ in the choir stalls / Symbols of Death & Life by Kelly Christogiannis (2020)
Manhole cover with Breda's coat of arms.
Statue of Judith with the Head of Holofernes (World War II monument by Niel Steenbergen, 1952). The animal heads at her feet represent the four cardinal virtues: prudence (rooster), fortitude (lion), justice (ostrich), temperance (elephant). (Location: Grote Markt)
Old back exit gate (1615) of the Vleeshal (meat-hall, the only place where fresh meat was allowed to be sold)
View of shoppingstreets (Brugstraat & Vismarktstraat)
I spent quite some time looking for the docking area in the harbour, because I wanted to do a boat tour. Turns out I was the only one, but that didn't matter, I got a private tour on the river Mark all around Breda!
White building is the old post office (1880). View from the water on Breda Castle!
Straight ahead: Folly Lighthouse, art-installation by Aldo Rossi (1992)
On starboard: The Koepelgevangenis (Johan Frederik Metzelaar, 1882) is a former prison (until 2013), constructed as a panopticon. Currently in use as housing for refugees.
Watertower (Jan Schotel, 1893)
Monumental white houses at Generaal van der Plaatstraat in style of Functionalism (F. Mol, 1934)
And we're back at the Breda Castle, the old Post office and the Grote Kerk of Breda. What a lovely relaxing boatride. I make a short walk around the church for some last photos before dinner:)
Old details on Grote Kerk (Large Church or Church of Our Lady, 1547) and new art on the panels covering the restauration site as part of the Church Inside-Out project: artworks by MonkeyBird Crew inspired by the floral ornaments that can be seen on the marble suits of armor in the “Princes' Chapel” and the colorful vault paintings.
Dinner at El Puerto: a Virgin Mojito with strawberry (recommended!), Iberico Grillfingers (boneless spareribs;) and for dessert Moelleux (hot chocolatecake with vanilla icecream and whipped cream)
Statue of Willem III van Oranje-Nassau (1921, Toon Dupuis)
In the city Park I spotted Hercules booty and had to take a closer look :-D
Could not make out what Herculas was leaning on: is that a tentacle? o_O
Cool appartmentbuilding De Poort on the east side of the city Park.
Back at the Nassau-Baronie Monument (Pierre Cuypers, 1904) and the trainstation in the background.
I need my roomkeycard to activate the elevator in the hotel, fancy!
End of day one (and this was only an afternoon, it feels like I've been here a week already)
Day 2: Cyclingtour Murals
On Saturday I slept in a little. With a scheduled walkingtour in the evening, I don't want to walk a lot during the day, so I decided to rent a bike (extremely cheap with my public transport card: only € 4,55 for a full day!). I found information about the Blind Wall project with murals all around Breda which I bring as a guide; I discovered a lot of additional art along the way:)
Yesterday evening I bought a croissant and jam with orange juice at a nearby supermarket, that's my breakfast.
I'm not even two minutes on the way and I come across a glorious fountain, so I have to park my bike and walk around it to take pictures from every angle (don't worry, I'll only share one;-)
La Source - Pascale Marthine Tayou (2018)
Water artwork De Veerman (The Ferryman) where people can share stories on the river (Part of project Love for the Mark)
Mural cyber woman by Super A (Stefan Thelen, 2013)
Imagineer (graphic text) by Ben Eine (2016, series of four texts)
Storytelling (graphic text) by Ben Eine (2016, series of four texts)
Across the water I spotted three words that did not make sense: "via ik Breda"
I learned I missed a word to complete the sentence "Ik ga via Breda" - it's an iron artwork by Nina Lenting (2016) made to be seen from the train; the railway bridge is to the left of my photo. The letters have different heights, but will appear the same size from the right point of view.
This sanitation station is covered with art by Hedof (2015), a famous illustrator from Breda.
Breda Jazz Festiwall by Joren Joshua (2022)
The circle with portraits of all the people in the neighbourhood is not part of the Blind Walls project, but still a cool piece!
Chocolate factory by Frau Isa (2019); two murals in remembrance of the Kwatta Cocoa factory that stood on this site from 1913-1979. The Kwatta soldier was on the wrapper of the chocolate (if you saved enough of them, you could hand them in for a toy soldier), the girl represents the young women who worked in the factory.
I loved the sign on the bicycle path, when my mom saw it she noticed it has 076 in it, the areacode for Breda, so clever!
Another version of the manhole cover with the Breda coat of arms.
Wall inspired by flash tattoo's by tattoo artist Rutger Termohlen (2017)
Black and grey Robo Dino by MCity (2016)
This is where I got off my bike to get some lunch in the city centre. I parked in one of the bicycle parking garages (free;) and strolled into town, where I came across more wall art!
A quote from Hans van Mierlo, spoken on a 1968 congress; art by Bijdevleet (2022) - "We have to create a Revolution before it breaks out." (Hans van Mierlo was co-founder of political party Democrats '66 and later, in 1994, became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs)
Detail of the old back exit gate (1615) of the Vleeshal (Meat-Hall)
Alida & Annie by Levi Jacobs (2021) - painting of a girl, inspired by a portrait of students of the former 'domestic science/home economics school across the street.
In 1849, The Order of Franciscan Sisters settled in that building, which they renamed ‘Liefdegesticht’, the Asylum of Love.
Lunch at Bakkertje Bol: Quiche with forrestfruitsmoothie.
Sint-Antoniuscathedral (1837) with sculpture representing 'Religion'
Interior of Sint-Antoniuscathedral (1837)
Mural Epic Stories by Hedof (2020), Location: Markendaalseweg.
There was a lot of roadwork all around Breda, this warning sign "HEY cyclist", made me laugh, apparently a lot of cyclists ignored the instruction to step off their bikes and walk, so the long text explains it's faster and cheaper to follow the 135m detour instead of risking a 79 euro fine by cycling on the footpath.
Old ice factory (1907-1940) - not icecream, but the production and storage of iceblocks for butchers :-)
I loved the new architecture in Breda, this apartmenttower at the Nieuwenstraat looks like a modern castle!
This tiny building used to be a hotel and catering school which inspired this mural featuring tableware by Maikki Rantala (2016).
Set of murals by Twee Muizen (2019) dedicated to Maria van Antwerpen (1719-1781), a maid from Breda who dressed like a man to enlisted as a soldier three times and married a woman twice (as Jan van Ant/Machiel van Antwerpen).
Mural De Maria Hemelvaartkerk by Isakov (2020)
Wings of Paradise by Hedof (2018)
Graffiti by unknown artists
Ode to St. Joost by Gé Smit (2022) St. Joost is the art academy of Breda, Gé created portraits of (graphic) artists and designers.
The rat mural by Rutger Termohlen, Collin van der Sluijs & Super A (2014) was inspired by the 15th century St Joost chapel. Saint Joost was the patronsaint of people who suffered from the black plague and other contagious diseases.
Part of Ode to Queensday by Stephen ESPO Powers (2014) - From 1891 until 2013 Queensday was a Dutch national holiday to celebrate the Queen's birthday (we did not have a King); in 2014 was the first Kingsday.
In this colourful mural by Mike Perry (2014) there's a hidden poem about Breda by Frank Nicolas
Clowns, Animals & Freaks by Johan Moorman (2015) is inspired by a feud between two rival circuses that arrived in Breda at the same time in 1988.
Monumental building: de Kloosterkazerne / Monastery barracks (1504)
Funky pavement marking to show the way:)
Holy Saint Catherine by Studio Anti-Held (2022) - inspired by a Caravaggio painting (1598) and made to honour city archeology.
Bronze sculpture Walger (Disgusted) - Karel Goudsblom (1994)
Het Wit Lam - Sam van der Weijden (2020), a mural in the Poort van Schoenmakers, in three parts: a map of old Breda on the ceiling + Demeter, godess of agriculture and a White Lamb, together they represent the old farm that used to stand on this location.
Former courthouse (1890, Willem Cornelis Metzelaar)
Sculpture Liefdespaar (Couple in love, 1988, Frank Letterie)
Last stretch of the cycle tour, back to the railroadtracks with two murals underneath the tracks: one on the side of the cars and one next to the sidewalk, together capturing the spirit of Backer & Rueb, builders of steam locomotives.
Crying Trains by Joren Joshua (2018)
The mural is 130 metres long and also features Cornelius (Cor) van Gogh, younger brother of painter Vincent van Gogh, who worked at this factory for a while. The factory was closed in 1993
One last glance at the mural before I rush back to the station to hand in my bicycle and catch the bus to Zundert for that scheduled evening walk.
To be continued!
J.
X-posted to https://beelikej.livejournal.com/584674.html
Lurk or comment wherever you like:)