Tip for modern pilgrims: Museumpark Orientalis

Our 136-kilometre route around Nijmegen lacks one special place that we would like to point out to ‘modern pilgrims’: Museumpark Orientalis and the Holy Land Foundation. Just across the border from Nijmegen in Berg en Dal.

The Holy Land Foundation was built 100 years ago by an artist, architect and chaplain after a pilgrimage to Palestine. Their goal: a replica of “the holy land” to allow people with little money or time to make a pilgrimage. A residential area was erected, a beautiful cemetery and church – included in “The Largest Museum in the Netherlands” – and a monumental Museumpark. The creation as a whole has been designated as a national monument as a unique example of Orientalism in Dutch culture.

Although the project was part of the emancipation of the Catholic part of the population, the Museumpark in particular now focuses on seekers of meaning and culture of all kinds. The central theme is the search for ‘the pilgrim in yourself’. The museum park as a place to reflect on the meaning of life, for example by coming into contact with different cultures, faith traditions and philosophies. The museum park is located in a hilly area with lots of nature. It is growing into a ‘park of values’ with activities for new Dutch people and attention to the perception of children.

Change of route?

We were sometimes asked why we don’t change our route along Museumpark Orientalis and the Holy Land Foundation. We’ve been looking into this seriously. Pilgrimage today is about the rhythm of walking in contact with your body, nature and whoever or whatever happens to cross your path. This can also be a special Museum Park, which you are free to walk past or enter. In terms of values of openness, meeting and reflection, we also fit in well with each other.

However, in the end we did not opt for a route change. Our 136-kilometre route has a beautiful, natural course that would have a strange kink due to the change. The route was created after years of searching and finding and strings together tranquil paths and different types of nature reserves. We therefore only adjust the route if there is no other option (permanent roadblock) or at a tip that makes an ugly stretch with a lot of asphalt unnecessary. The more pilgrims make the same journey, the more significance the road becomes: more than 14,000 by now.

What we do do, however, is wholeheartedly recommend Museumpark and Holy Land Foundation for a visit: here’s to it!

Opening hours Museumpark Orientalis and Heilig Landstichting

Museumpark Orientalis is open until 4 June from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm. From July 22 to September 10, as well as from October 14 to October 29 and December 16 to January 7, when there will probably also be a festival of lights. More.

The special cemetery of the Holy Land Foundation is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 and the impressive Cenacle Church is open from Thursday to Sunday from 14:00 to 16:30 (and also on Whit Monday).