Arnhem

Arnhem has so many works of art in public spaces, the city could easily pass as an open-air museum. This is therefore a route for all art lovers and those who don't yet know they are art lovers! Art stimulates the senses. In Arnhem, eyes and ears are in short supply. Not only do works of art appeal to the imagination, but the many parks and architecture also spoil the eye and soul.

The splendour of the Eusebius church testifies to the city's artistic flowering during the Middle Ages. After the Middle Ages, however, things slowed down and talented artists migrated to The Hague and Amsterdam.When the Teekenschool Kunstoefening was founded in 1803, a professional group of talented Arnhemmers emerged again. Nature also attracted artists from the west of the country. thus the Oosterbeek School, a forerunner of the Hague School, was born.

After World War II, contemporary art was presented against the backdrop of the lush nature of Sonsbeek Park, thus providing a spiritual remedy for the traumatised inhabitants of Arnhem. Sonsbeek ‘49 exceeded all expectations: 125,000 people visited the park and a triennial was launched. From this first edition in 1949, Sonsbeek contributed to a new vision of international contemporary art. Over the years, the municipality bought a large number of the exhibited artworks and placed them throughout the city. The Lazy King in Park Sonsbeek and Spitting Leaders in Park Presikhaaf are fine examples. In total, more than 230 artworks can be seen in the city in special places. Even a car park has been turned into a work of art. The Blue Waves refer to the fact that, in earlier times, this was the location of the Old Harbour, which connected the city to the Rhine.

The presence of a college of arts, Artez, with various disciplines also brings creativity and energy to the city. We cycle through the Jordan of the East, the fashion quarter in the Klarendal district. Around 60 designers and other creatives have settled here with their studios and shops. Get off here to explore this neighbourhood, it's worth the effort.

Another surprise can be found to the west of the city centre: Arnhems Buiten. The monumental buildings in a park-like setting form a business park but could also serve as a striking film location. Working in this location is bound to be a treat!

Of course, the Kröller-Möller museum is a must-see if you are in the Arnhem area and love art. However, the museum and the park Hooge Veluwe are so big that you could spend a whole day there and are therefore deliberately not included in the itinerary.

The nice thing about art in public spaces is that you don't have to have a museum year card or buy pricey tickets. Be amazed by the side of the city of Arnhem.

Velperweg is closed until mid-2025 due to works between junction 99 and 36. A nice diversions route has been marked.


This Premium cycle route was compiled by our editor Yvonne Vlaskamp.