Walk inside Herman van Bergen’s monumental thorn labyrinth
Discover an artwork you can enter: the Cathedral of Thorns brings sculpted passages, contemporary art and the texture of Curaçao’s thorn bushes together at Landhuis Bloemhof.
This is an art installation rather than a working church. Herman van Bergen uses sumpiña thorns to create walls and passages containing artworks and symbols from different spiritual traditions. Look closely at the material, then step back to see how the openings frame light and space. Combine the cathedral with Bloemhof’s exhibitions and garden, allowing extra time for the wider estate.
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Construction began in 2014 and the cathedral opened on 2 February 2020. The project grew from Van Bergen’s earlier experiments with thorn sculptures and illuminated artworks. Young people helped build it through a programme combining employment and practical training, giving the work a social purpose alongside its artistic one.
Cathedral of Thorns by Night offers illuminated visits with cultural programming on announced dates. Book for the specific event; daytime admission and evening tickets are separate.
The material is what makes us pause here. Take time to look at the thornwork up close; a quick photo misses much of the detail.
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It is an artwork and cultural venue using spiritual symbols. It does not function as a conventional church.
Regular estate visiting hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 09:00–14:00. Check holiday arrangements before travelling.
Bloemhof publishes general daytime admission of US$10 for adults and US$6 for children aged 6–12. Confirm the included access when booking; specialist tours and evening events have separate prices.
Yes, during scheduled evening events. Do not assume it opens every night or that the daytime ticket covers an evening programme.
Yes, with supervision. The thorn surfaces are part of the artwork: look without touching and follow the visitor route.
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