The Cathedral of Thorns is a full building-sized illuminated labyrinth on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. Visitors are invited to walk through its corridors and experience an artistic journey through a troublesome history toward a bright future; both sides represented by the hostile yet beautiful thorns. To raise consciousness of the similarities between religions, the design includes symbols of today's world religions and ancient nature-based religions. The walls have niches containing objects of contemporary art by guest artists, expressing mankind's ability to change, share and collaborate through creativity. In addition, the labyrinth also functions as a stage for performances. The Cathedral of Thorns was designed by Herman van Bergen, winner of the prestigious Cola Debrot Award in 2016, and was constructed by unemployed youth. This work of art (in progress) unites all themes of Van Bergen's previous thorn-art sculptures into one expansive project: a building honoring Mother Nature and the Free Spirit that achieves change through creativity.
The latest news updates of the Cathedral of Thorns
Friday 3rd of September 19.00hr
Last Friday, August 6th, was the first edition of the Cathedral of Thorns by Night. With its 175 visitors, the first edition was an overwhelming success. Each first Friday of the month the cathedral will be fully lit and Herman van Bergen, artist, and mastermind behind the cathedral, gives guided tours and answers questions from visitors. During the screening of the movie, the creation of the cathedral and the building process are explained in more detail.
“Every piece of art that I create revolves around communication. The Cathedral of Thorns is a direct response to the current state of affairs in the world. It is about pollution, terror, injustice, and human actions on the earth; destructive in past and present. The cathedral is a protest against destruction, injustice and inhumanity. The part year was, as a result of Corona, a difficult period for us. It was hard enough to make me think that we had to break down the cathedral, the situation seemed hopeless. The enthusiasm of Friday evening and the enthusiastic reactions from the public make us feel hopeful again. I wish to completely finish the cathedral in the near future with help of our community and sponsors. There are certain pieces that still have to be finished and it would be perfect to do so soon. We want to give the younger generation an opportunity with our project. We are working on putting together a learning trajectory in which we give local young people the opportunity to learn about art, building processes and the nature of the island”. Says Herman van Bergen.
The Cathedral of Thorns by Night will take place every first Friday of the month. Every month, an exciting show or exhibition will take place from local artists for visitors to enjoy. These nights will become the art and culture evenings of Curaçao with the Cathedral of Thorns as the binding factor.
For more information, please check the website www.cathedralofthorns.com and stay informed on our Facebook page for monthly updates
The Cathedral of Thorns by Herman van Bergen will from now on be open to visitors every first Friday of the month from 19.00hr. Cathedral of Thorns by night is an unique evening in which the cathedral is fully lit and guided tours by the artist himself take place. Herman van Bergen has won the CODAaward 2020 in the landscape category with his Cathedral of Thorns. The CODAawards is an annual international prize for project that best integrate commissioned art into interiors, architecture or public spaces. This piece of art unifies all the themes of Van Bergen’s earlier thorn sculptures into one project: a building to honor Mother Nature and the Free Spirit that brings about change through creativity.
“During these evenings, both local and tourists can take a look at the cathedral which is completely made up of thorns. For the occasion, the cathedral is beautifully lit and the artist himself, Herman van Bergen, gives a guided tour. Every visitor will have the opportunity to meet Herman personally and ask him questions about the cathedral and its creation. It is also the best time to take beautiful pictures of the cathedral. The beauty of the cathedral is captured by the use of lighting, creating a magical effect. The Zumpiña shop will also be open on this evening. The shop is the perfect place to buy an unique gift or a beautiful piece of art for your home or office” Says Daisy Casimiric.
The first evening will take place on Friday 6th of August and the ticket sale will start at 19.00hr. The performance and tour will take place from 19.30hr to 21.00hr. entry for locals with sedula is Nafl. 25,- and US$25,- for tourists.
Presale tickets are available at The Zumpiña Shop (on the premises of Landhuis Bloemhof) & at Landhuis Bloemhof during the day (9 am – 12 pm) or at fundashondiartista@gmail.com / app: +59995266349
Ticket sale at the door: August 6, at The Zumpiña Shop from 7 pm.
Entrance August 6, from 7 pm. Santa Rosaweg #10 (Number TEN)
We are building this Cathedral of Thorns with the help of many companies.
