Oude Lutherse Kerk

Monumental Heritage Meets Social Dialogue

The Oude Lutherse Kerk (Old Lutheran Church) at the Spui is one of Amsterdam's most significant 17th-century monuments. Beyond its function as a place of worship and academic ceremony (for the University of Amsterdam), the venue has reinvented itself as a courageous platform for cultural intervention. Its soaring interiors and consecrated atmosphere provide a dramatic backdrop for exhibitions that seek to reconcile tradition with modern inclusivity, making it a compelling site for curators interested in site-specific contextual art.

The venue's progressive stance was boldly illustrated by the EMBRACE exhibition (2024), headlined by Arjan Spannenburg. In this taboo-breaking showcase, Spannenburg’s portraits focusing on LGBTQ+ acceptance were installed within the sacred halls, specifically in the church hall and the "Domineesgang." This juxtaposition of queer identity and religious heritage transformed the church into a space of radical inclusion, proving the venue’s capacity to host art that not only adorns the space but actively challenges and expands its historical narrative.