Heiligenbeeldenmuseum

About the museum

The museum was founded in 2000, after the Antonius Church in Kranenburg had ceased to function as a parish church. Volunteers saved the building from demolition by converting it into a museum for statues of saints, without subsidies and thanks to many donors. The Stichting Vrienden van de Kerk op de Kranenburg, founded in 1998, aims to preserve the listed church; the museum is the new use that suits the dignity of the building. Since 2009 the church has belonged to the Stichting Oude Gelderse Kerken, which rents it to the museum.

The Sint-Antonius-van-Paduakerk was designed by Pierre Cuypers in 1855, built from 1856 and consecrated in 1867. It is the oldest surviving church by the architect, who later became known for the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station. The museum is a member of the Museumvereniging and is run by around 70 volunteers.

The collection comprises several hundred statues of saints, acquired through purchases, donations and loans from private individuals and monasteries; a selection is shown in the church at any one time. The theme of Cuypers in Kranenburg is also permanently present, including with a soundscape. Each year a different theme takes centre stage, and around Christmas the museum shows nativity scenes.

Highlights

• Collection of statues of saints in a church by Pierre Cuypers
• Oldest surviving church by the architect (designed in 1855)
• Soundscape about Cuypers and the church
• Annual Christmas nativity scene exhibition
• Visit to the organ loft and bell frame on the last Saturday of the month

Permanent exhibitions

• Heiligenbeeldencollectie – Several hundred statues of saints from donations, purchases and loans; a selection is shown in the church each year.
• Cuypers op de Kranenburg – Permanent presentation of the church as the oldest surviving work by the architect Pierre Cuypers, with a soundscape.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Stichting Vrienden van de Kerk op de Kranenburg

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the road from Vorden to Ruurlo (N319); the church tower is already visible as you approach the village of Kranenburg.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with devotional items, statues of saints, crosses, cards, brochures, books and DVDs; also available to order by email.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit