Program

At the present site of the City Hall, the city has been governed for centuries. The first city hall was built on this spot in the 13th century when Breda was granted city rights. Throughout time, the building has been regularly adapted, rebuilt and rebuilt. All functions - past and present - are still visible on and in the City Hall. Come along and dive into the rich history of Het Stadhuis on Breda's Grote Markt.

The Grote Kerk Breda is full of stories waiting to be told: for centuries, lives have been celebrated and commemorated in the church. Come experience the stories with interactive tours, a guided tour by Gilde de Baronie or experience Playful Connect with Floris Hovers.

Playful Connect is and fantasy city that is actually constantly moving, changing and growing. With this city, Hovers shows his autonomous vision on the urban, on architecture, color and the playful aspect that he believes is so lacking in today's society and world around us. Floris will give a presentation on Saturday at 11:15 and 14:00.

City guides from Gilde de Baronie will take you through the varied architectural styles of Breda's city center during this gable route, where history and also architects will be reviewed.

The Nassau Clock of Breda Nassaustad.
Do you know where the clapper hangs? Climb the Breda tower and see how that bell is rung manually!

Breda Castle was once the ancestral home of the Nassaus, the ancestors of our royal family, and has a long history. Since 1828 it has been home to the Royal Military Academy. Discover the Castle during a guided tour of the KMA Historical Collection Foundation.

A stately old building on the Kasteelplein houses the permanent exhibition on the history of Breda Castle and, in particular, the Royal Military Academy (KMA). Visit the stately building and exhibits and dive into a historical journey that seems far from finished.

Hidden behind buildings, you enter a small paradise through a gateway. The Beguinage Breda is the city's oldest institution and was inhabited by beguines: free independent women who formed a cooperative with each other

Led by Mandy den Elzen, you will go on a botanical discovery tour through the gardens of the Beguinage. Participants will be given a sketchbook and pencil to make sketches and notes of the specific characteristics of some of the plants growing in the courtyards.


The 1440-year-old Wendelinuskapel was commissioned by Johanna van Polanen, now the church is used for many cultural and social purposes. Come enjoy music, interesting presentations or discover the secrets of the attic (by reservation).

Three people find each other in a world of doors. Behind every door is a world, but no matter how many times they leave, they always seem to end up back together and with the audience at Lutheran Church. In this dance performance by The100Hands, visual tricks, physical dance and slapstick-like scenes suck you into a magical quest for where you end up when you leave.

Even true Breda residents don't know how to find the Lutherse Kerk (1784). Between a café and a store in Veemarktstraat, you'll find a gate leading to a hidden courtyard. It is still Breda's only hidden church in function as a church building. Underneath the church is one of Breda's oldest preserved kitchens with original nail tiles. Now the church is a place for reflection, conversation and culture.

For more than 180 years, people have gathered in this cathedral to pray, sing and celebrate. The church witnesses everything that moves people deeply: their sorrows, griefs and joys. Here people are buried, baptized and married. This is where priests and bishops have been ordained. If the monument could talk, you would hear the many personal stories of ordinary Breda people.

The Haven 7 property has a rich history, revealed by 1992 archaeological research. Originally part of Visserstraat 7 (early 15th century), the property split in 1851. It was occupied by lawyers, stewards and merchants. In 1875, the Catholic Circle bought the property, substantially remodeled it, and in 1906 it became home to the Breda Men's Choir and the authentic Spanish bar, Mariposa.

Take a leap into history - from noble court houses to the Liefdegesticht - and end in the elegance of the present. The hotel complex is located on Nieuwstraat, one of the oldest streets in the city, already visible on maps from 1350 as "De Nieuwe Strate." Behind this street was the first city wall of Breda, completed in 1410. Between these core locations a special ensemble of national monuments arose that now comes together in Hotel Nassau Breda.

Want to know more about the DAFjes? Please visit https://dafjerijdeninbreda.nl

Where the Seelig Barracks used to be, students of the Rooi Pannen can now be found. The beautiful architecture, the old buildings that whisper stories of days gone by and the modern facilities combine to form the backdrop of daily living and learning. The campus is a bridge between past, present and future, a place where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.




In care center Elisabeth, 8,000 years of experience come together. Elisabeth has 200 years of history in caring for fellow human beings. This heritage is still very much alive. Starting with the sisters 'van de Haagdijk', care and welfare has been transferred to new organizations. The times are changing. During Open Monumentendag we let our elderly be the living heritage and tell their stories.

In the nineteenth century, people began to think differently about hygiene. Therefore, the canals were covered and a large-scale sewer system was created.
Part of the old sewer still exists and is still in use. Discover it on a tour underground (by reservation).


Discover the modern magic of 3D printing! Meet this innovative technology where heritage, architecture and extraordinary building elements come to life!




Are you curious about the power of words? In this workshop led by illustrator Nanne Meulendijks, you combine visual creativity with poetry. You will work on writing a short poem of eleven words and translate it into a visual work of art. (reservation)

Everything about the past, for everyone today: Stadsarchief Breda collects and manages the history of the city and its inhabitants.

The Chassé Theater was designed by Prof. Herman Hertzberger. He is considered the leading architect in the Netherlands after World War II. His designs stand out for their lively, almost playful appearance. Join us on a tour and discover the extraordinary building and the power of theater and culture.



The current buildings date from 1500 and later, but as early as 1308 the nunnery St. Catharinadal was built on this site by the Norbertinesses. The last monastic order left in the 17th century and the building was used as an infantry barracks between 1814 and 1975. Holland Casino bought and restored the Kloosterkazerne and opened the casino here in June 2003. Discover its rich history on a guided tour (by reservation).


Almost 800 years ago, the Guest House for travelers and the sick starts on this spot. Later the function changes to Oudemannenhuis and in the last century the building gets its cultural destination. Come join a cool workshop in project space NEXT ism Blind Walls Gallery.

Where in 1628 on the Boschstraat brewery 'De Drie Hoefijzers' was founded, just under 400 years later the brewing craft is back in the street. 'Drie Hoefijzers Klassiek' is therefore the first beer brewed here according to original recipe. Visit the brewery and discover the history of the family business and the role of beer in Breda.

The oldest mention of The Olyton dates back to 1500. Back then, the property was described as ''t Gasthuyseynde huis 35-37," located in Boschstraat, just outside the first stone city gate, on the spot where the Stedelijk Museum would later rise. During Open Monument Day, learn about its rich history!

Behind the facade of this national monument lies a special piece of Breda history. The house, known to many Breda residents as Huize Raffy, originally dates from the 16th century. The house is named after Adriaan van der Donck (1618-1656). Visit Stichting Arjati's exhibition and let St. Erfgoed Drie Hoefijzers take you into the brewer's past.

De Uitvindfabriek is an interactive children's museum and event location in Breda that focuses on inventing yourself. In and around the old candy factory of 'de Faam' you will experience fantastic adventures. Will you come build during Open Monumentendag?


't Zoet has many stories. From hayfield to sugar factory to future high-density urban development with sustainable green technology applications by companies. Join us on an excursion! (reservation)

The Maczek Memorial Breda is happy to tell you more about the liberation of Breda in 1944 and the battle the Poles fought for it. Meet several men from the 1st Polish Armored Division and General Maczek.

Cemetery Park Zuylen is nearly 200 years old and 13 acres in size. The park has diverse functions that also include extraordinary works of art and rich biodiversity. Join us on a guided tour or go on your own.

This installation by sculptor Iris Bouwmeester and composer Dyane Donck centers on a mysterious, sculptural hexapus. Hexapus explores how we communicate and plays with the boundary between organic and mechanical.

As a building, St. Francis Church does not make an overwhelming impression. According to some, the place of worship resembles a gymnasium or sports canteen, and others call it "the shoebox. But who knows, maybe the church will become a monument after all. But its current purpose makes a big difference: Bieb Hoge Vucht is important meeting space for the neighborhood. Come visit and leave with a tour here!

Get on your bike and discover Breda as you have never seen her before!
During this tour an enthusiastic Blind Walls Gallery guide will take you along impressive murals that bring hidden, forgotten and sometimes downright surprising stories of the city to life.

On Saturday, you can attend two lectures at the Hoge Vucht Library called "Hoge Vucht in Vogelvlucht.

At Parkhoeve Noord, a special, very old map awaits you, along with a simple compass. The map, from Ambrogio Spinola, shows how he plans to lay siege to the impregnable city of Breda. On the map are all kinds of notes from this important commander.

In the north of Breda, near walking and cycling area the Lage Vuchtpolder, you will find Children's Farm Parkhoeve Breda-Noord. A petting zoo where there is plenty to discover and experience for young and old. Dive into the history of the Lage Vuchtpolder and join the adventure with 'Het Beleg van Breda'.

This former porter's lodge of Cemetery Haagveld is today as Princenhaags Museum is a center for heritage, art and culture. They are committed to preserving, documenting and bringing the cultural heritage of the village of Princenhage closer to residents, former residents and all other interested parties through exhibitions, among other things.

Come see what Princenhage looked like around 1900. And see which buildings stood there then that have since disappeared, such as the Mariaklooster, the Patronage building, the house of "Uncle Cent," Princenhage's train station. Even an entire street -the cozy Kerkstraotje- went up in smoke.
The foundation Virtueel Princenhage brings these buildings back to life in virtual animations.

In a rustic setting with tall old trees and lots of greenery, you will find Haagveld Cemetery with unique graves and monuments worth seeing. Since its establishment in 1829, Haagveld has been a Protestant cemetery. In the 1980s Haagveld grew into a general cemetery with a unique signature, where everyone is welcome.

St. Martin's Church is also known as "Princenhage's most precious possession. This religious-cultural heritage in the heart of the village dates back historically to the end of the 15th century.

For 150 years, the Reformed Congregation in Princenhage worshipped in the Roman Catholic Martinus Church. This was assigned to them after the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, forcing the Catholics to move to a barn church. In 1798, the Catholics regained the Martinus Church, but only after paying compensation to the Reformed.

The church, built around 1900 in neo-Gothic style, has a turbulent history. Starting in 2011, restoration began and now the special location has been transformed into luxury living.

The building, built especially for Freemasonry, has seen many developments over the years. Especially for Open Monument Day, the Breda Masonic and Odd Fellow lodges open their doors for a glimpse into these extraordinary societies, which are normally closed...

The Protestant Laurentius Church lies sweetly in the greenery, hidden behind a high wall. The history of this monument dates back to the 12th century and its foundation is attributed to the Abbess of Thorn.

Bouvigne Castle is an iconic moated castle just outside Breda, with origins in the 15th century. Once built as a defensible residence, it grew into a stately country estate. Surrounded by historic gardens and water features, the castle reflects centuries of architecture, religion and government. Today it is owned by the Brabantse Delta Water Board and is a special place for heritage and water management.


As soon as you drive up the impressive avenue at Park Zuiderhout, you immediately sense that you have arrived at a special place with a rich history. The more than 100-year-old Mission House - once a major seminary - stands here as a majestic witness to the past. Now it is a caring community where the elderly celebrate life.

At the beginning of the 16th century there was already a chapel in the village square of Teteringen, dedicated to Our Lady. After a fire, this chapel was rebuilt as a parish church in 1632. After the Eighty Years' War, the church had to be handed over to the Protestants, forcing the Catholics to hold their services in a barn church. This barn church was built opposite the town hall in 1688.

This location tells centuries of history: since 1488, Bavel has celebrated faith and life here. After the demolition of the church, a chapel and an enclosure were built with the freed stones - now national monuments.

The present Saint Mary Ascension Church was built in 1886-1887 to replace that old church in the Brigida Cemetery. It is a neo-Gothic cross church, with a tower equipped with a spire and a mechanical tower clock from 1888. The church was designed by Jan Jurien van Langelaar of Princenhage.

Korenmolen de Hoop Bavel, exceptional national monument, will exist 160 years next year! During the tour you will get a unique insight into the workings of the mill, led by our certified guides.

Museum Paulus van Daesdonck is housed in a Brabant long-gabled farmhouse. Here you will find a permanent exhibition about the villages around Breda with objects from the first half of the 20th century. In addition, there is a temporary exhibition twice a year.

Farm de Pekhoeve is a national monument in the middle of Ulvenhout; a farm with barn, the former Flemish barn (now Social Cultural Center De Pekhoeve), a baking shed and the Karkooi (or Karschob). Farm de Pekhoeve is first mentioned in 1590 and has had several functions since then.

Let yourself be taken through beautiful Ulvenhout. Through a mapped out route, the guide of Breda Wandelt takes you on a relaxing trip through the heart of Ulvenhout, a village full of character. Discover how old and new come together here in special buildings and hidden places.

The Anneville estate was founded around the middle of the 19th century by Prosper Cuypers van Velthoven, a native of Ginneken who owned land in the vicinity of Geersbroek. In 1898, the Coach House was built. After being inhabited by the family for several generations, the estate was used as a hotel-restaurant from the 1920s until 1951.

Unleash your creativity and build a fantastic city with us - all out of cardboard! Houses, towers, bridges... anything is possible! We will get to work with cardboard, tape, scissors and, of course, lots of imagination.

Join us on an exciting cruise and walk through besieged Breda! Help Charlie, the descendant of Charles de Heraugière, sneak into the city via secret routes. Along the way you will discover stories, solve riddles and experience the siege of Breda as never before. For adventurous families and sleuths!

Set off like a real Freek Vonk - but with an eye for unusual architectural styles! Head for the various spots and discover surprising sightlines and explore architecture through the ages.

The cycling routes 'Breda-Noord' and ' Breda-Zuid' have been specially compiled for Open Monumentendagen Breda by the cycling guides of Gilde de Baronie (www.gildebaronie.nl/fietstochten) and pass numerous monuments from the program.Choose one or for the sporty cyclist, stick the routes together and discover the best of both routes.

Ride around in our "rolling heritage. Stichting Historische Autobussen manages, maintains and, where necessary, restores buses that have historically defined passenger transportation in the south of the country. Hop in for a scenic tour of various locations in the program.

Royal Singing Society Breda's Men's Choir is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year. The Breda's Mannenkoor was founded in 1865 by Frans Smits, then director of the Breda beer brewery and also the choir's first president.

Discover the hidden art on Breda's facades. Go on a treasure hunt through Breda's shopping streets and discover the beautiful decorations on buildings. Look up, above the storefronts, and see how craftsmen such as sculptors, masons and typographers both in the past and now give buildings a unique character with ornaments and special details.

The first section of the New Mark is complete. Complete with nature-inclusive quay walls. The BLASt Foundation is organizing a substantive cruise on the water, focusing on the importance of nature-inclusive construction.

Haagdijk long belonged to Princenhage and only later became Breda territory. It was an area for merchants, breweries and even shipyards. During this tour, the past and present of this street are portrayed. Walk along the bustling Haagdijk with a city guide from Gilde De Baronie.
