Theater Church Hemels in Twisk wins prizes
26 Feb 2020
René Smit and Gerda Blom, owners of Theaterkerk Hemels, received the Schipper-Oosterkerk Prize on Saturday 22 February.
This exchange prize is intended for an institution or person that has made an exceptional effort for the religious heritage in West Friesland. The Schipper-Oosterkerk Prize is a work of art by the Hoorn artist Elsbeth Luinge, made of white alabaster sculpture with a sailing ship in the heart. The pedestal is made of Belgian bluestone.
The dream of the then theater technician René was to one day start his own theater. His dream became reality by purchasing the Dutch Reformed Church in Twisk in 2017 together with his partner Gerda. A special monumental building from the 14th century with the possibility to live and to offer space for creativity and connection. After purchasing this beautiful building, Breddels Architecten was approached to make part of the church habitable.
The 2020 exchange prize has been awarded because the late 14th-century Reformed Church has been given a threefold new purpose (theatre, Bed & Breakfast and home), while retaining its historic character in a creative way. As a result, the church is still a prominent appearance and centerpiece in the protected townscape.
We congratulate René and Gerda with this prize and wish them many more musical experiences in Theaterkerk Hemels.
And as René himself says: "This year for the tenth time awarded to guardians of the ecclesiastical heritage in West Friesland. And apparently that is us!"
Read more about the project Theaterkerk Hemels, Twisk.
