Roermond, Montfort, Sint Odiliënberg

Architect Petrus Josephus Hubertus (Pierre) Cuijpers was born in Roermond on 16 May 1827, the son of Maria Joanna Bex and Joannes Hubertus Cuijpers, who was a church painter. Pierre never officially changed his name but at the time of his international breakthrough he continued under the name Cuypers. At 17, he left for Antwerp to study architecture at the art academy. After graduating, the good student earned the Prix d'Excellence, toured the German Rhineland and returned to Roermond brimming with inspiration.

Cuypers had a predilection for the Gothic style, characterised by the use of pointed arches and vaults. He immersed himself in the constructional features of Gothic and put them into practice. Influenced by Cuypers, Neo-Gothic became big in the Netherlands in the mid-nineteenth century. After completing his first major commission, the restoration of the Munsterkerk, to great satisfaction, the architect was appointed city architect of Roermond in 1852.

In the years that followed, the Roermond native built and renovated over seventy churches. These restorations were increasingly criticised, because a Cuypers sauce was poured over every restoration and because his works were considered too Catholic. Done with the criticism, Pierre left for Amsterdam in 1865, where he designed Vondelstraat, the Rijksmuseum, Central Station and many more famous buildings. The now famous architect was also involved in the renovation of the Ridderzaal, designed the throne there and was involved in the design of the award in the Order of Orange-Nassau. An award he would later receive himself. Cuypers worked on into old age and died, in his beloved Roermond, on 3 March 1921. His son and grandson followed in his footsteps, but in addition he influenced a whole generation of architects.

This cycle route takes you past his home, designed by himself, which today houses the Cuypershuis, a museum where you can find out much more about the architect. But also past several buildings he designed or restored, past his statue and past his grave. A bicycle tour along all his works would be impractical, but this route combined with his museum will still give you a good impression of the life of this exceptionally talented architect.

Photo: The Cuypershuis, Maartje van Berkel
Photo Bust: National Archives

This Premium cycle route was compiled by our editor: Désirée van Uffelen.