Jheronimus Bosch Art Center
The Jheronimus Bosch Art Center is located in the former Sint-Jacobskerk on Jeroen Boschplein in 's-Hertogenbosch, the capital of North Brabant. Since 2007, there has been a permanent retrospective exhibition here on the life and work of the painter Jheronimus Bosch, who was born in the town. The venue is also used for concerts and conferences.
 Western elevation Sint Jacobskerk (JBAC) | |
| |
| Former name | Sint Jacobskerk |
|---|---|
| Established | 2007 |
| Location | Hinthamerstraat 177, 's Hertogenbosch |
| Type | Permanent exhibition, Events centre |
| Website | http://www.jheronimusbosch-artcenter.nl/en/ |
Exhibition
The main exhibition consists of around 60 framed photographic replicas of the paintings and drawings of Jheronimus Bosch, representing his complete works. A selection of contemporary works of art, inspired by, or associated with Bosch, are also to be found here.
Some of the fantastic creatures and objects found in Bosch's paintings have been turned into sculptures and these may be found positioned around the exhibition space and hanging from the ceilings.
A number of specially commissioned wall tapestries, containing details from Bosch's paintings, adorn the upper walls of the main hall. These were created by Polish brothers Andrzej and Jerzy Mierzejewski.[1]
Standing in one corner of the main hall is the working reconstruction of a medieval astronomical clock, including moving figures representing the procession of the three Magi and the Last Judgement.
A smaller exhibition, downstairs, in the former boiler room of the church, is a historical mock-up of how Jheronimus Bosch's studio may have looked.
A transparent glass lift in the church tower leads up to further exhibition spaces and to the highest level at 40 metres, whence one can enjoy impressive views over the city.
In the square in front of the church is a sculpture by Ruudt Peters. The inspiration for this came from a fountain, which can be seen in one of Bosch's most famous paintings, The Garden of Earthly Delights.
Initiative
The idea of opening the centre came from the Municipality of ‘s Hertogenbosch.
The painter Jheronimus Bosch is an important tourist attraction for 's Hertogenbosch, however, original paintings by Bosch are no longer to be found in the city (many were removed by the Spanish occupiers in the 16th century [2]). The church had been empty for some time, and is located in the city centre, so, in order to be able to show Bosch's works in the city again, the centre was established here, in a space that Bosch himself would have appreciated because of his connections with the church.
The centre was opened on 26 March 2007 by Pieter van Vollenhoven.
Gallery
References
- Jheronimus Bosch Art Center op groetenuitdenbosch.nl
- James.A.Patrick, Renaissance and Reformation, Volume 1, Marshall Cavendish, New York, 2007, p. 131