Heritage Departement 's-Hertogenbosch

Who we are

The Heritage Department is at the heart of cultural history preservation and development in the Dutch city of 's-Hertogenbosch  (short: Den Bosch meaning the Duke’s Forest.) 30 historians, archaeologists, archivists and project managers, and 120 volunteers work in this municipal department. 

We are closely involved in preservation, listing, developing and providing access to the heritage in our city and the adjacent region, especially in the fields of archaeology, archives, building history, monuments and fortifications. We are the link between policy-makers, academics, students and the field itself by providing information, advice, and operate within the legal framework to safeguard our cultural heritage. 

What we do

Development and advice

The heritage department in 's-Hertogenbosch acquires external funding for heritage projects, education, preservation and development. We advise professionals, private parties and public authorities on the restoration of heritage, development, repurposing, legislation and urban planning. By looking beyond our borders and using heritage as both resource and inspiration we can make a difference.

Preservation and conservation

We acquire, digitalize, manage and open up historical sources, such as archives, monuments and architectural, historical and archaeological materials, both physical and digital.

Research and documentation

By stimulating and supporting scientific research and publications by academics and the public alike, we get a better understanding of the past and provide a larger historical context.

Public and education

Storytelling and development of educational activities and programs are essential to reach a larger audience. We have a strong focus on digital storytelling and experiment with new techniques, such as apps and 3 models, to introduce our heritage to a wider audience. These activities are an addition to  the ongoing organisation of public events such as expositions, workshops and presentations.

Cooperation

We are looking for European cities, regions and knowledge partners to exchange expertise and to operate closely within EU funding and research programs on the following subjects:

  • Repurposing of religious and military heritage
  • Development of innovative business models for adaptive reuse (including funding tools)
  • Improving energy performance of heritage buildings
  • The use of modern technology in historical research, such as automatically generated transcripts of handwritten texts and 3D modelling
  • Professionalization of both education activities and volunteer management
  • Developing the art of storytelling
  • Opening up our depots to the public in a safe and attractive way
  • Developing and promoting the use of digital tools, such as apps, websites and 3D models, to introduce our heritage to a wider audience

EFFORTS

The Heritage Department is founding partner of EFFORTS, the European Federation of Fortified Sites. EFFORTS’ mission is to share expertise, promote cooperation and emphasize the significance of fortified heritage as a continuing connection to our common European history and as a condition for social, economic and spatial development.
Visit EFFORTS website

About 's-Hertogenbosch

's-Hertogenbosch (or Den Bosch) is a historic city, strategically located at the centre of the Netherlands with about 154.000 inhabitants. The city's official name refers to its founding father, Henry I, Duke of Brabant. He founded the town on the forested sand elevations, surrounded by marshland, and granted 's-Hertogenbosch city rights in the late twelfth century.

The city was originally built as a fortress town and, during the 14th century, further expanded with a new city wall. As trade and industry flourished, the city became the second-largest population centre in the Netherlands with a bustling cultural life that produced famous Renaissance painters like Hieronymus Bosch and Jan Soens.

Stadswalzone 's-Hertogenbosch
Entrance to the city from a parking garage below the old city walls

Impenetrable fortress

In 1972, the Dutch state declared the old city centre a protected cityscape. This led to much in situ preservation of its built heritage and its famous river underneath the city. Within our municipal boundaries, we currently house 513 national and 604 local classified monuments.

The historic centre is still almost completely surrounded by ramparts, a visible link to its past as an impenetrable fortress. The city earns international acclaim for its progressive architectural solutions in the historic city centre. Practical interventions necessary for water safety, parking and infrastructure are interwoven with the display of its rich history.

Contact

Email: erfgoed@s-hertogenbosch.nl

Postal address:

Gemeente ’s-Hertogenbosch
Afdeling Erfgoed 's-Hertogenbosch
Postbus 12345
5200 GZ ’s-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands 

Visiting address:

Groot Tuighuis
Bethaniestraat 4
5211 LJ 's-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands