Heritage Year

Heritage Year 2025

In 2025, Heerlen is dominated by its rich history and promising future. After all, the place is buzzing with fascinating stories... From Roman times, the Middle Ages or from a more recent past, stories from "the cool" or the turbulent 1980s, for example. All these timelines are the inspiration for the events and activities celebrating the Heritage Year.

Do you have a question or idea? Mail us!

2025, a special year

In 2025 our Landsfort will be 800 years old and it will have been 50 years since the last coal was brought to the surface in the Oranje Nassaumijn. After the mine closure, many subcultures emerged thanks to the new generations. From punk to hip-hop and later the gabber scene. This too is all part of Heerlen's identity and heritage. It is what and who we are. We have to show and tell about that heritage. And that is what we will do in 2025!

What are we going to do?

In the neighborhoods and districts, together with cultural institutions, associations and lots of enthusiastic Heerlen residents, we create a surprising program that is interesting for everyone. From historical exhibitions to hip-hop events, from intimate neighborhood stories to grand festivities.

Grant application

Do you have ideas that fit the Heritage Year? If so, you may be able to get a grant. Let us know what your idea is. Every Heerlen resident can participate. You can organize something on your own or together with an association, neighborhood organization, school or company.

Grant application

What is heritage and why is it important?

Heritage is often described as our legacy of the past, by which we live in the present. We pass this legacy on to future generations so that they too can learn from it, admire it and enjoy it. Heritage, then, is something you inherit. It contributes to your identity and connects the community. It tells something about where we come from, who we are, and how we develop.

There is intangible heritage and tangible heritage. What is the difference?

Intangible heritage is heritage that cannot be touched, for example, traditions, stories, songs, rituals, languages and knowledge about ancient trades and crafts.
Material heritage can be touched, such as buildings, works of art and collections. Material heritage is again divided into two groups, these are movable heritage and immovable heritage. Movable heritage is movable and immovable heritage is not.

Examples of heritage include:

Roman bathhouse is the oldest stone building in the Netherlands
Developments and construction projects in Heerlen for growth and diversity of the city
Traditions, music and dance

What kind of initiative can I suggest?

Come up with a good idea that focuses on Heerlen's heritage and connects to the themes: Romans, Knights and Robbers, Mine Age, the Transition Years and the Future.

We call on you to spotlight your version of Heerlen. Think of family stories and anecdotes, a piece of music or your opinion about our Heritage in a debate. But also, for example, an event. Think of a dance battle in the former mine shaft, a story contest, a gabber party in the Royal or a historical walk in your neighborhood. Above all, let your creativity speak!

Which cultural and heritage institutions are participating?

In SCHUNCK, Parkstad Limburg Theater, De Nieuwe Nor, Kasteel Hoensbroek, the Roman Museum, the Dutch Mining Museum, Filmhuis De Spiegel and the Cultuurhuis Heerlen, the story of Heerlen in 2025 comes to life. But also during our events such as the Week of Amateur Arts, Cultura Nova, Booch! and, for example, Schrit_tmacher. And educational programs for schools are also coming. These will follow around September.

Can I get a grant for an activity?

Yes, you can. There are two options. Grant for:

an activity up to 1,000 euros
an activity between 1,000 and 5,000 euros.

View application information.