Laren: Art, Architectural History and Landscape

Laren brings together sacred architectural history, art and landscape. Its themes range from religious architecture and sacred art to collections, public art and connections with the landscape. As you plan your stay, these different focal points can help narrow down your choice of cultural themes.

Sint Jansbasiliek and Religious Tradition

The Sint Jansbasiliek in Laren was built in 1924–1925 to a design by architect Wolter te Riele. In 1936, Pope Pius XI elevated the church to a Minor Basilica because of the great significance of the Jansprocessie, held annually in Laren in June. The basilica thus combines a clearly dated architectural history with a religious tradition of the town. The stained-glass windows designed by Han Bijvoet add another artistic feature: the windows above the main altar tell the story of John the Baptist. If the Jansprocessie is relevant to your travel plans, check the current dates.

Art and Culture at Singer Laren

Singer Laren brings together a museum, a theater and a sculpture garden in the heart of the artists’ village of Laren. The sculpture garden was designed by Piet Oudolf. The permanent collection includes works from 1880 to 1950 by Anton Mauve, Piet Mondriaan, Jan Sluijters, Kees van Dongen, Leo Gestel and Bart van der Leck. This places the collection’s focus within a specific time period; the display of individual works may change. The museum, theater, garden and collection represent different cultural themes that you can distinguish when planning your visit.

Art Routes and Local History

The Kunstbordenroute Laren - Blaricum features works by artists who lived and worked in both villages on 16 information boards in public spaces. The walking route “De schilders van Laren & Blaricum” is a separate route: it starts and ends at Singer Laren, Oude Drift 1 in Laren. One route therefore has a clearly specified starting and ending point, while the other uses its 16 boards to highlight art in public spaces.

Two buildings also offer insight into different chapters of the town’s history. Lindenhoeve is home to the local history association Historische Kring Laren and is one of Laren’s oldest longhouse farmhouses. Rotating exhibitions are held in its threshing floor. Landgoed Nardinclant was established in 1916; the present house dates from 1939. The two dates refer to different milestones: the founding of the estate and the construction of the present house.

Landscape and Orientation

Westerheide extends across Laren and Hilversum, while Zuiderheide is in Laren. This information helps distinguish between two different landscape areas if you would like to include the surrounding area in your travel plans.

Getting Around by Rental Bike

Electric and conventional Voi rental bikes are available at various locations around Laren, including bus stops and residential areas. After use, you can leave a bike in a designated parking zone without having to return it to the pick-up location. Availability, locations and parking rules may change; check the current conditions before using a bike.

For the broader travel overview: Laren.