This is something you must not miss during Open Monumentendagen 2025 in Breda
Kasteel van Breda
The Kasteel van Breda is in the hands of the Military Academy and is normally closed to the public. Especially for Open Monuments Days, they offer guided tours on both days.
This castle was once the ancestral seat of the Nassaus, the ancestors of our royal family. Due to the important international role of the Nassaus, the Castle from the 15th to the 17th century was an important site in Europe. The Castle of Breda has a long history. Since 1828, the Royal Military Academy has been located here.
Bouvigne Estate
Bouvigne Castle is an iconic water castle just outside Breda, dating back to the 15th century. Originally 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 governance. Today, it is owned by Waterschap Brabantse Delta and serves as a special place for heritage and water management.
They open their normally closed doors especially for Open Monuments Days 2025 in Breda.
Zuylen Cemetery
Begraafpark Zuylen is almost 200 years old and covers 13 hectares. The park has multiple functions. Primarily, it is a memorial park, offering very diverse options for burial and ash destinations. The funerary culture is fascinating, and the park serves as a history book of Breda. Additionally, it is a green park with an increasingly rich biodiversity. It also houses several remarkable artworks that can be discovered via an art route.
On Sunday, during the Open Monuments Days, you can visit the underground 19th-century grave chapel in the Hoge Heuvel for the first time. Here, 36 notable individuals from that period are buried.
Furthermore, there is a diverse program with art and culture on both days.
Seelig kazerne - De Rooi Pannen Campus
Where the Seelig Kazerne once stood, students of the Rooi Pannen can now be found. The beautiful architecture, the old buildings that whisper stories of bygone eras, and the modern facilities together form the setting of daily life and learning. The campus is a bridge between past, present, and future—a place where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.
During the Heritage Open Days, this is a place where you can experience the theme 'Building to Stay' in all its aspects. Complemented by Breda's local themes of 'Urban Development and Reconstruction'. Also, a special tour departs from here, where you can go out in an authentic DAF under the guidance of a guide. Roving heritage! Reservation is mandatory for this activity, starting Monday, 25 August.
Mission House St. Francis Xavier - Zuiderhout Park
As you drive along the impressive avenue at Park Zuiderhout, you immediately feel that you have arrived at a special place with a rich history. The more than 100-year-old Mission House – once a large seminary – stands here as a majestic witness to the past. Now it is a caring community where the elderly celebrate life.
Last year, some plasterwork came loose in the chapel. Beneath it, an old wall painting was discovered, of a dove that had been surprisingly well preserved. The dove, which already holds a special significance within religious life, has reclaimed its place.
Park Zuiderhout opens its doors especially for Heritage Days with a public programme. They participate for the second year, but each time with a different focus. This time, the emphasis is on the story of the dove and the wall painting discovered during restoration work.
The green embankments of the Nieuwe Mark
The first section of the New Mark is complete. Fully equipped with nature-inclusive quay walls. Stichting BLASt organizes an educational boat trip on the water, focusing on the importance of nature-inclusive construction. Visitors will go in small groups on a boat to speak with experts involved in Green Quays or similar projects elsewhere in the city.
Breda officially received the title of National Park City on 20 May. This is an international recognition for the efforts to make the city greener and healthier.
This activity is organized especially for the Open Monuments Days 2025 in Breda and is only possible with a reservation. Reservations can be made via the website from Monday 25 August.
Floris Hovers ‘Playful Connect’
Designer and artist Floris Hovers showcases his fantasy city at Grote Kerk Breda.
A fantasy city that is essentially constantly in motion, changing, and growing. With this city, Hovers presents his autonomous vision of the urban environment, architecture, colour, and the playful aspect that he believes is so lacking in today's society and the world around us. On Saturday, Floris will be present himself and will give a presentation at 11:15 and 14:00 hours.
This activity has been specially developed for the Open Monumentendagen 2025 in Breda and the theme ‘Building to Last’.
Discover the hidden art on the facades of Breda
Go on a treasure hunt through the shopping streets of Breda and discover the beautiful decorations on buildings. Look up, above the shop fronts, and see how craftsmen such as sculptors, bricklayers, and typographers both past and present give buildings a unique character with ornaments and special details.
With a map in hand, you walk through the city centre, searching for these small works of art. It is a fun and educational activity for young and old. In a playful way, you learn more about the special architecture and craftsmanship that makes Breda so unique.
This activity has been specially developed for the Open Monuments Days 2025 in Breda and the theme ‘Building to stay’ by Breda designer Luc Goderie.
Heritage spotter
Become Heritage Spotter in Breda! Go on an adventure like a real Freek Vonk, but with an eye for unique architectural styles! Spot them during Heritage Day on 7 heritage sites in the city. Stand on the spot, discover surprising sightlines and explore architecture through the ages. Scan the QR code and be surprised by a new perspective on the city. Fun for curious adults and young explorers!
Expedition 'The Siege of Breda'
At Kinder Farm Parkhoeve Noord, a special, very old map awaits you, along with a simple compass. On the map, originating from Ambrogio Spinola, you can see how he planned to besiege the impregnable city of Breda. The map contains various notes from this important commander.
Discover his plans and let yourself be guided by the direction of the wind. Along the way, you will make several stops and can uncover letters by answering questions. Together, they form the key word…
This expedition has been specially developed for Open Monumentendag and the local theme ‘The Siege of Breda by Spinola’ by the Legendejagers.
Excursion 'In Beeld: a city full of craftsmanship'
A tour showcasing craftsmanship from the past and today around the Harbour and New River. Be inspired by stories behind old trades and modern makers. Take the most beautiful photos along the way and participate in the national photo competition – see the city with new eyes! Participation in the tour is only available with a reservation, which can be made via the website from Monday 25 August.
This tour has been specially developed for Open Monuments Day and the theme ‘Built to Last’ by Breda Promotions.
Makersbase 'Build your ideal city'
Are you also into crafting in the Makersbase? Let your creativity run free and build a fantastic city with us, entirely out of cardboard! Houses, towers, bridges… everything is possible! We will be working with cardboard, tape, scissors, and of course, lots of imagination. Especially for Open Monument Day, the Makersbase is organising this special activity at Nieuwe Veste.
Want to join in and build? Come along and participate! Fun for all ages, with a focus on architecture, building styles, and creativity.
