Biblical Sculpture Garden: Art for Everyone

Behind the Joannes de Doper church on the Kruisweg in Hoofddorp you will find an oasis of peace. You will no longer notice that you are so close to the center. This is the place where art, with the accompanying stories and nature find and reinforce each other. You are in the Biblical sculpture garden. Here you will find almost 50 sculptures with a Biblical meaning. Do you have nothing to do with the Bible? Even then a visit to this sculpture garden is definitely worth it!
Sculpture garden Source: Source: Kees van der Veer

Initiative

The garden was originally the monastery garden of the Franciscan Sisters. The sisters maintained the garden. When the last sister left in 1979, the care for the garden remained in the hands of the pastor. And it was pastor Kees van Lent who ensured that the church did not lose the land. In fact, he took the initiative to have Biblical images made, which led to the creation of the Biblical sculpture garden. His motto, based on a poem by the British Minnie Aumonier (1865-1952): 'There is healing in a garden, when one longs for peace and pardon. Once passed the gate, no need to wait, for (there is) God is in the garden'.

 

The peace of nature

First, the garden was laid out. Attention was paid to trees, flowers and shrubs. Beautiful trees and blooming flowers, brought together to serve as a backdrop for the statues. The fact that these statues were there was no coincidence. Artist Karel Gomes wanted to make Biblical figures. Pastor Kees van Lent and the artist inspired each other to what it is now: a super beautiful garden with characteristic statues. 

Sculpture garden Source: Kees van der Veer
Sculpture garden Source: Kees van der Veer
Sculpture garden Source: Kees van der Veer

The artists

Most of the statues were made by Karel Gomes (1930-2016). This artist, two of whose works can be seen in the Rijksmuseum, was known in the ecclesiastical world. The poses and facial expressions of his statues are lively. Gomes used models for the statues, but also drew on his own experiences. For example, he depicted his mother sitting on one of the Stations of the Cross.  

Artist Antoinette Otten also has a number of sculptures to her name. She was a pupil of Karel Gomes. Among other things, the sculpture of the wolf, next to the sculpture of Franciscus van Assisi, is by her hand. Lydia Postma is responsible for a number of relief artworks. 

 

Powerful women

The female figures that Karel Gomes has created are all strong women. Although Biblical figures, the stories are still relevant today. The story of Ruth, who had to flee her country and leave her home and hearth behind, is still relevant today. Just like the image of Susanna, which represents women who have been abused or falsely accused. In the end, justice prevails. A strong woman who stands up for herself.

 

The most beautiful image

What is the most beautiful image in the Hoofddorp Biblical sculpture garden is of course very personal. There is plenty of choice. Large works of art, such as a personal representation of the father with his lost son. But also a series of smaller images, such as 'death and ...' where the image of death comes to collect different people. Pay particular attention to the different facial expressions of death. The fourteen images that together represent the Passion of Jesus are also certainly worth a visit! 


QR code

Do you really want to know everything about the statues? Then sign up for a guided tour. Do you prefer to walk at your own pace but are you curious about the stories? Then scan the QR code that you find at the statues during your walk. You will then hear the stories with which the statues are placed in this time. It is not only biblical: it is also about (art) history. 

Sculpture garden Source: Kees van der Veer

Back again

You always have a reason to return to the Biblical sculpture garden. Even now, statues are still being added. These are statues made of basalt stone that are made in the Sint Lioba monastery in Egmond. It is a place with an unprecedented wealth of art, culture, an oasis of peace and reflection. You really come to yourself, away from the hustle and bustle of Hoofddorp city center. 
And for the children there is an exciting labyrinth! 

Contact

Biblical sculpture garden
Kruisweg 1071
Hoofddorp
The Netherlands