Experience Jheronimus Bosch Works in 's-Hertogenbosch

Step into the New St. James Church, where the hushed atmosphere of a Byzantine Revival interior meets the surreal imagery of one of history's most enigmatic painters. Here in 's-Hertogenbosch, you can stand before the works of Jheronimus Bosch, his presence felt throughout the very walls of this national monument.

Immerse yourself in the world of Bosch

The heart of your visit is a comprehensive permanent retrospective that brings together every known work by the local master. Because many of his original paintings were lost to other lands during historical conflicts, the center presents these as high-quality photographic replicas. These are not mere images; they are life-sized reproductions set in faithful frames, allowing you to experience them in the contemplative space of a church—the very type of setting intended for many of these works originally.

Beyond the paintings, the exhibition integrates contemporary art inspired by Bosch’s legacy. You will encounter:

• Sculptures of fantastic creatures and objects from his paintings, positioned throughout the halls and hanging from the ceilings.
• A series of commissioned wall tapestries featuring intricate details from his works.
• A functional reconstruction of a medieval astronomical clock, complete with moving figures depicting the Judgment and the procession of the Magi.

Explore the history beneath the surface

Descend into the former boiler room of the church to find a historical mock-up of what Jheronimus Bosch’s studio might have looked like in his own time. This lower level provides a tangible connection to the artist's daily life and creative process.

The architecture surrounding you is equally significant. The church features a 40-meter high clock tower, a dome painted with the Star of Bethlehem, and a collection of historical artifacts including a baroque pulpit from 1635, an eighteenth-century organ balcony, and various antique confessional booths.

Experience the height of the city

To make the most of your visit, take advantage of the transparent glass lift located within the tower. This allows you to ascend to the highest level where you can enjoy expansive views over the city of 's-Hertogenbosch. This vertical journey provides a shift in perspective from the intimate details of the art below to the broad landscape above.

Wander through the medieval heart

After exploring the center, you can wander into the surrounding neighborhood to see the well-preserved fortifications and medieval buildings that define the city's history. If you wish to continue your exploration of the local culture, nearby sites include the Design Museum Den Bosch, Het Noordbrabants Museum, Het Oeteldonks Gemintemuzejum, or Museum Slager.