Sunny days are here again, so it’s time to get out and explore new green spots! This time we decided to cross the Amsterdam border and head over to the east of the country to visit Paleis Het Loo. This former royal Dutch palace is known for its 17th century baroque style gardens. Since April this year, four beautiful contemporary art works with a powerful message are exhibited in the gardens.
Symmetrical Gardens
Paleis Het Loo is situated on the outskirts of Apeldoorn in a lush, green environment. When you walk from the palace to the gardens, you encounter a perfect symmetrical garden. And although it’s full of flowers and green, it doesn’t really feel like nature. In the garden are several art works matching the garden, like a Venus, a Celestial Globe, some Greek gods and goddesses, fountains, etcetera. The real eye catchers in the garden though are some modern looking three meter tall sculptures in bright colours.
‘The Garden of Earthly Worries’
Architect Daniel Libeskind designed the four abstract sculptures, named ‘The Garden of Earthly Worries’. With these sculptures, Libeskind wants to send out a message. Each sculpture represents a greenhouse gas: Carbon dioxide, methane, ozone and nitrous oxide. Gasses which cause climate change by the use of human beings, and are destroying nature.
Mankind Controlling Nature
The influence humanity has on nature and the way it wants to control it, is the theme that connects the 17th century baroque garden, ‘The Garden of Paradise’, with the ‘Garden of Earthly Worries’. Libeskind sees ‘The Garden of Paradise’ as an idealized piece of nature, typical for the way humans are dominating nature. With ‘The Garden of Earthly Worries’ Libeskind emphasizes how this dominating nature of mankind is actually causing severe problems like climate change.
Visiting the Gardens
What do you think of these sculptures and the message it stands for? We really enjoyed such a bold statement in a place where you would least expect it. Besides, the sculptures are quite impressive and add a fierce contrast to the royal gardens. And next to the palace gardens, there is the palace park; an area of 650 hectare, ideal for strolling on a sunny day. Are you interested in visiting the gardens and seeing the sculptures? This year the gardens are open until September 29th.
Want to escape the busy city life and enjoy some vega(n) food? Head over to the circular paradise called De Ceuvel in Amsterdam North! This sustainable project looks like a secluded mini village of house boats where you can find creative workspaces, a cultural centre, a floating hotel and a cafe-restaurant. You can sit on the terrace at the water in seats made of old boats or seclude yourself on a raft. And in summer time you can even take a refreshing dive in the old shipyard!
