History
The Dutch usually call this city ‘Den Bosch’, but its official name is ’s-Hertogenbosch. This literally means ‘the woods of the duke’. That duke was Henry I of Brabant, who gave ’s-Hertogenbosch its city rights and all associated trading privileges in 1185.
To keep foreign armies and looters out, city walls surrounded many cities at that time. At a later stage, they were encircled by earth ramparts and bastions. The remains of much of these ramparts and bastions can still be seen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch today. The city of ’s-Hertogenbosch is a member of the Dutch Fortified Cities Association, an organisation through which fortified cities in the Netherlands promote their common cultural and historical heritage.
The oldest part of ’s-Hertogenbosch, right at its heart, is the triangular market square. The earliest walls used to surround this square. From these walls, the inhabitants of the city, called ‘Bosschenaren’, defended their homes, and for a long time the city was renowned as an invincible stronghold. Because the city was also surrounded by wetlands, the delta area of the small rivers the Aa and the Dommel, the city soon gained the heroic nickname ‘The Invincible Dragon of the Marshes’.
Much of the original medieval structure of the city within the city walls is still intact today. The late-gothic St John’s Cathedral (‘Sint Janskathedraal’), the city hall in classical style and the oldest brick house, ‘De Moriaan’, remind us of days long past, as do the many narrow, winding streets, weaving their way through this part of the city, lined with warehouses and merchants’ dwellings.
Through the centuries, ’s-Hertogenbosch successfully fought off attacks from Holland and Gelderland, as well as from the far north and the south, which was under the control of the Spanish. In 1815, ’s-Hertogenbosch became the political and cultural capital of Brabant and the city has grown considerably since that time. The borough of ‘s-Hertogenbosch now consists, apart from the city itself, of Rosmalen, Bokhoven, Empel and Engelen. Today, as evidenced by many new buildings, the restoration of historic buildings and the varied nightlife, the city is a bustling and lively place.
Jheronimus Bosch
The Bosschian painter, Jheronimus Bosch, lived between about 1450 and 1516. However, nobody really knows who he really was. Many different tales have been circulated about him; some describe him as a heretical nudist, he is suspected of being a member of the sect of Jacob van Almaengien, exclaimed as a surrealist-avant-la-lettre, branded as a sufferer of sexual obsessions, acknowledged as an alchemist and, in the most common view, as a satirist and moralist. There are 25 works-of-art worldwide, which historians believe to be real Bosch paintings.
Jheronimus Bosch was born in ’s-Hertogenbosch. He lived and worked here until his death in 1516. The past of this famous painter is held in honour by the town. A statue of him can be seen in town.
You will also find his birthplace and the location where he and his wife, Aleit Goyarts van de Meervenne, lived for many years near the market square. It is without doubt that he acquired sufficient inspiration from his surroundings for subjects in his work, such as the often displayed “Diest” (de Binnendieze). Aleit van de Meervenne’s father lived in the Schilderstraat, which still exists today. The school of the “Broeders van het Gemene Leven”, where Bosch went to school, was located behind the Schilderstraat.
Since march 2007 the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center is situated in the historic city centre. This is the only place in the world where you can experience everything about Jheronimus Bosch. The unique collection not only challenges you to look at the man’s art but also to think about his intentions.
Bosch was not a heretic, but a religious artist who portrayed the important values of his time, such as belief, insecurity, fear, superstition and stupidity in his artwork. Bosch was a sworn member of the brotherhood of the “Illustere Lieve Vrouwe Broederschap”. This brotherhood, established in 1318, still
exists today and is devoted to mariolatry and charity. Many clerics and members of the intellectual elite, among them members of the royal house, stood and stand inscribed as members of this brotherhood. The Zwanenbroederhuis has functioned as a meeting place for the brothers since the aforementioned date. The 14th century brotherhood house made way for today’s new gothic building in the 19th century. A small exposition room containing generously decorated Middle Ages music books and a fragment out of the death register of Bosch from 1516, in which his passing away and departure are documented, are a part of the displayed collection.
Bosch must have filled an important position in the town. You will find wall paintings, which were manufactured by the father of the Bosch family (Anthonie van Aken), and a fragment of a thinking game, which Bosch supposedly worked on, in the Sint Jans Cathedral.
Sailing in the meeting town of ’s-Hertogenbosch…
A BOAT TRIP ON THE DOMMEL
Sail with the Rederij Wolthuis on the Dommel along the fortifications, the Citadel and various fortress towers. During the trip you can enjoy Burundian sweets and food.
A BOAT TRIP ON THE BINNENDIEZE
The town river “de Binnendieze” is older than the 800 year-old town itself. Seated in a characteristically open boat you sail through ’s-Hertogenbosch alternating between being out in the open and amidst town buildings.
The fortress town of ’s-Hertogenbosch…
Town rights were bestowed upon ’s-Hertogenbosch in 1185. Since then the town has successively grown beyond its original borders. The town is continuously reminded of its famous fortress history by various locations within its perimeters. Today’s fortifications and towers of the fortress town of
’s-Hertogenbosch together with its Citadel stem from the 16th and 17th century and are still almost completely intact!
CITADEL
The fortress building, the Citadel, a five-cornered entrenchment with characteristic bastions was built in 1637 in the northern part of ´s-Hertogenbosch where the “Dommel” and the “Aa” flow together in to the “Dieze”. The state archives are currently located in the fully restored complex.
Cultural history in ´s-Hertogenbosch…
Cultural history is ever-present in the Bosschian streets, museums and trades. Allow yourself to be surprised by what the fortress town has to offer.
SINT JAN CATHEDRAL AND “DE BOUWLOODS” MUSEUM
The Sint Jans Cathedral is one of the most interesting cultural and historical buildings in the Netherlands. The late gothic basilica was built between 1380 and 1530 and extensively restored in the period 1975 to 1985. With its numerous sculptures, the exterior of the Sint Jans Cathedral is one of the most decorated buildings in the Netherlands. Subsequently you can visit the “Bouwloods” Museum of the Sint Jans Cathedral. The history of the building and the restoration of the Cathedral can be seen
here. Characteristic for the Sint Jans Cathedral are the floating arch figures or ‘hemelbestormers’ (the heavenly assailers): Similar figures are not to be seen anywhere else.
SINT JANS’ TOWERS
Climb up the 73 metre high towers of the Sint Jans Cathedral and visit, among other things, the carillon and an exposition over the history, building and restoration of the towers. A video presentation informs you over everything pertaining to the trade of casting bells. And at the end, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the beautifully decorated cathedral and the moody silhouette of the inner town.
STADHUIS (TOWN HALL)
A guide leads you through the Bossche Town Hall, a classic baroque style building. The 17th century jousting game (chimes), monumental council room - adorned with goblins from the 17th century - and impressive hall make the ‘Stadhuis’ one of the most special historical monuments in
’s-Hertogenbosch.
NORTH BRABANT MUSEUM
A rich collection encompassing culture, history and fine arts from the South-Netherlands, depicted chronologically from prehistoric times to today, is located in this former 18th century government palace. A widespread programme of changing exhibitions, a model of the old town of
’s-Hertogenbosch and a multimedia programme are shown parallel to the collection. The sculpture garden is also worth visiting.
JHERONIMUS BOSCH ART CENTER
This is a former church, now containing a unique centre completely dedicated to the most famous man from 's-Hertogenbosch. Among other things you can get acquainted with the complete works of the artist. These works have been brought together into a unique collection of replicas of actual size, and from an altitude of 40 metres (about 131 ft., accessible by elevator) you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city of 's-Hertogenbosch. There is also a medieval studio.
SLAGER MUSEUM
This spacious museum is influenced by a century of painted art from three generations of the Bosschian Slager Family. The museum displays, among other things, town outlines of ´s-Hertogenbosch, Brabantian and Belgian landscapes, still-life and self-portraits. You are also shown a slide presentation and given a guided tour of the museum.
OETELDONKS GEMINTEMUZEJUM
This is the one museum in the Netherlands which is totally dedicated to carnival. There are all manner of artefacts to be seen, such as carnival floats, paintings, hats and headgear, which in the course of time have been designed in, among other places, South America, Asia, neighbouring European countries and, naturally, in the Netherlands.
BOSSCHE PRENTENMUSEUM
This museum harbours a collection of ancient maps and original sketches by Hendrik
de Laat and Herman Moerkerk. The museum is a part of the Kringhuis, the historico-cultural information centre of the Kring “Vrienden van ’s-Hertogenbosch” (circle of “friends of ’s-Hertogenbosch). They have made it their task in the past 28 years to maintain and nurture the cultural inheritance, which is richly present in the town and in the surrounding areas. Thus contributing to the enrichment of the cultural climate of the Bosschian town centre.
ZWANENBROEDERHUIS
Worth more than a visit: the neo-gothic Zwanenbroederhuis, the brotherhood house of the “Illustre Lieve Vrouw Broederschap.” One of the members of the brotherhood was the famous painter Jeroen Bosch. Even now members of the Royal House are still listed as members of the brotherhood. Here you will see, among other things, very extensive archives and unique music books.
PROVINCIEHUIS
The Brabantian Provinciehuis (regional government house), designed by Hugh Maaskant, harbours an international collection of art, including wall coverings by Magdalena Abakanowicz and Sheila Hicks. A guide also leads you along works by Karel Appel, Corneille and, of course, the famous bronze door of the State Hall.
MUSEUM FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
SM's - Stedelijk Museum 's-Hertogenbosch is a museum of contemporary art and design. It is a young and lively museum with an international, specialist collection and a varied programme of exhibitions. Every imaginable aspect of contemporary art and design can be found here. The museum also organises activities designed to draw the public into the world of contemporary art in a variety of ways. It is the word 'contemporary' that most interests SM's. No distinction is made between the different artistic disciplines, despite the special focuses on ceramic art and jewellery. SM's is currently awaiting the construction of its new premises and is thus located at a temporary site.
Sociable dining and shopping in ’s-Hertogenbosch…
Enjoy familiar and sociable shopping in small old streets. Come and eat “Bossche Bollen”, dine in Middle Ages atmospheres, or step out into the bustling nightlife. Should you have to wait, order a fresh “draught ” while doing so, because that is exactly what the Den Bosch townsfolk would always do. In the meantime, they will pursue a conversation with you and point you in the right direction for not-to-be-missed sightseeing highlights.
For further information…
Regio-VVV Meierij & Noordoost Brabant
Markt 77/Postbus 1039
5200 BA ’s-Hertogenbosch
Press information: 0031 73 613 19 10
Public information: 0031 73 613 96 29
Fax: 0031 73 612 89 30
E-mail: info@regio-vvv.nl
Internet: www.vvvdenbosch
