Kunsttuin Nederlands Kremlin | The Dutch Kremlin | A Unique Sculpture Garden by Ger Leegwater in Winkel, the Netherlands
Did you know there is a ‘Kremlin’ in the Netherlands?
Before we begin our story today, let me ask you a “Did you know?” question. Did you know there is a ‘Kremlin’ in the Netherlands? If not, then you ought to visit this place. It’s located in Winkel, a small village in the Dutch province of North Holland, built single-handedly by one man who kept faith in his dreams for 40 long years. So, without further delay, let me take you along with me to this fantasy world named ‘The Dutch Kremlin!’
What is a ‘Kremlin’?
Many of us think that Kremlin is the name of that colorful fairytale castle in the heart of Moscow, Russia. While it is true, it's interesting to note that 'Kremlin' ('Kreml' in Russian, formerly known as 'Kremnik') is a generic Russian term for fortified citadels with ramparts, moats, towers, and battlements, usually located at strategic vantage points in medieval Russian cities. As a matter of fact, there were over 400 'Kremlins' in medieval Russia, but only around 20 of them have been preserved.
What is ‘The Dutch Kremlin’?
‘The Dutch Kremlin’ is a private sculpture garden in the Netherlands built by Ger Leegwater, a retired steel sheet employee. Inspired by Classical and Greek mythology, Biblical parables, Italian, Russian, and Eastern Orthodox architecture, and powered by imagination, craftsmanship, and technical skills, Ger single-handedly constructed this remarkable ensemble of buildings and sculptures in his backyard garden in Winkel, a small village in the Dutch province of North Holland. Started in 1980, the work demanded relentless effort, passion, and perseverance over 40 long years to finally establish this vibrant art exhibition.
The Main Architectural Elements
1. Archangel Raphael
As soon as you enter ‘The Dutch Kremlin,’ you are greeted by the Archangel Raphael (Biblical figure), right at the main gate.
2. The Main ‘Kremlin’ Monument
Once you enter ‘The Dutch Kremlin,’ you rendezvous the main ‘Kremlin’ monument. Appearing like straight out of a Russian fairytale, the majestic structure consists of numerous freestanding pieces, including arches, towers, and gates. While the Russian Kremlin may have inspired the onion-shaped domes crowned by symbols like a star, cross, sickle, or a hammer and intense colors of his massive installation, this is not quite a reproduction. Instead, motivated by Russian and Eastern Orthodox architecture, post-retirement, Ger started utilizing his newly-acquired spare time to coax sheet metal and recycle products into creative architectural elements. The main tower-like structure of the complex measures 45 feet broad, 52 feet long, and 33 feet high. After installing the main monument, Ger later added sculptures of several spiritual and legendary figures.
Taking a leisurely stroll around the monumental ‘Kremlin’ structure leaves you no other choice than to deeply admire the sheer craftsmanship and passion of Ger.
3. The Amphitheater - Saint George and the Dragon
Inside the main ‘Kremlin’ monument is the amphitheater where Saint George (Sint Joris in Dutch) is shown subduing the Dragon.
4. The Neptune Fountain
One of the main attractions is the Neptune Fountain which showcases mythological figures including a Triton, a Pegasus, and Neptune. Talking about his inspiration behind the fountain, Ger exclaimed, “Our garden is called the Dutch Kremlin, but I get most of my inspiration from Italy, a wonderful country. We love the atmosphere, the people and the food. Awesome! For example, the fountain I made was inspired by the fountain in Piazza Navona in Rome!”
5. Michael’s Chapel and Angel Michael
Beside the main ‘Kremlin’ monument is a small chapel named Michael’s Chapel that can be rented for weddings. Angel Michael has been depicted as hanging from the ceiling of the chapel.
6. The Winter Palace
Another noteworthy building in the premises of ‘The Dutch Kremlin’ is the Winter Palace.
The Construction Materials
Ger uses all kinds of materials, such as construction waste, tiles, and curbstones and with his creative Midas touch, turns them into pieces of art. With his own devised lifting methods, everything comes into place without assistance. He does not use any drawing for his constructions.
When I asked him how he manages to do it all by himself and that too without any blueprint, he said, “The idea is in my head, and I just start building with what's at hand. I have always collected a lot of materials. Not to do anything with it, but just because it fascinates me, it has a history. At one point, it was a big mess here on the site. Eventually, I started building in the early eighties. Mientje has been in my life for fourteen years, and the garden has really taken shape and structure.”
The Workshop
Let’s take a quick glimpse at Ger’s workshop, where all this magic happens.
The Artist and his Inspiration
And finally, now it’s time to introduce you to the artist Ger Leegwater and his inspiration, his better half Mientje Leegwater. What I loved most about visiting ‘The Dutch Kremlin’ is the warmth of Ger and his lovely wife, Mientje. Though Ger mainly speaks Dutch (he understands English quite well), his passion for his life’s work and his enthusiasm in showing you around with great attention to details at the age of 76, are inspiring and infectious.
And what I found as the most motivational is that ‘The Dutch Kremlin’ stands for having faith in your dreams and pursuing them until they come true. Ger invested 40 years of his lifetime and a lot of money behind his dreams, but his creativity and dedication never gave way. And his supportive lady-love acted as his beacon in this long pursuit. So, I strongly recommend ‘The Dutch Kremlin’ for those who, at least once in their lives, have doubted if their desires are worth going after!
Visiting ‘The Dutch Kremlin’
Address: Limmerschouw 51, 1731 NJ Winkel
Public Transport: Take the train to Alkmaar, then the bus to Leeuwarden, and get off at the monastery in Nieuwe Niedorp. Then walk towards the golf course in Winkel Oost.
Car Parking: There’s no dedicated parking space per se, but since Winkel’s a small village, you can just leave your car outside ‘The Dutch Kremlin.’
Opening Hours, Ticket Prices, and Reservation: To visit ‘The Dutch Kremlin,’ you need to make an appointment via mail or phone. For more information on the ticket prices and opening hours, please visit their website mentioned below.
Website: kunsttuinnederlandskremlin.nl
Epilogue
So that was the story about ‘The Dutch Kremlin.’ Please let us know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading this article.
And if you want to explore more such hidden gems in the Netherlands, please read our article Netherlands Off The Beaten Track | 39 Best Hidden Gems in the Netherlands. Until then, merry traveling and happy shooting!
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