The Netherlands used to be a mainly christian country, but in recent decades the members of churches have declined sharply. Daily newspaper Trouw found out that 1 in 5 churches is no longer in use as place of worship. As a consequence churches of the Netherlands have been put to use in different ways. Here a few examples.
Exhibition Church: De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam
One of the most prominent churches in the Netherlands is De Nieuwe Kerk (the New Church) at the central Dam square in Amsterdam. For several decades now it is used for epic exhibitions: on the Dancing Demons of Mongolia, Black Pharos and World Press Photo
Jumping Church: Clementskerk in Hilversum
The state monument the Clementskerk in Hilversum has turned into a jumping playground for kids.
The Gym Church, Sint-Willibrorduskerk, Zeilberg
The church in neogotic style was built in 1914. Ultimately it was closed in 2011. Just short of a century of worship later.
The Farmer`s market Church, Cuyperskerk in Sas van Gent
Construction of the church started on March 17, 1891 and was officially opened one year later. Next to the Church was a nunnery and girl school. On january 1st, 2013 the church closed it`s doors, to reopen in 2019 as a farmer`s market
