society Jasper Van Loy

9 min reading time

Why Arts Education in Flanders Is Gaining Momentum

Teachers and students see that their schools are keeping up with the times. ‘Parents are seeing art education as a good choice.’

history Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs

10 min reading time

Edward Winslow: The Forgotten Pilgrim Father

Without the Anglo-Dutch diplomat, the history of the United States would have looked different.

arts Wieland De Hoon

9 min reading time

'Ode to Antwerp' Shows the Shared History of Flanders and the Netherlands

The exhibition 'Ode to Antwerp' at Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht explicitly presents old masters from the Low Countries and not from Holland or Flanders.

podcast The Low Countries Radio

history Republic of Amsterdam Radio

1 min reading time

On the Barricades: Protest Movements in the Low Countries

In this podcast, we take a look at some of the major and minor protest movements that have occurred across the Low Countries, which have helped shape them into the places they are today.

literature Tom Christiaens

2 min reading time

23 Dutch Books To Prolong The Summer Holiday (2023)

Here's our selection of Dutch-language books that recently have been translated into English.

review

history Geerdt Magiels

7 min reading time

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, The Man Who Pushed the Borders of the Visible

The Dutch self-taught scientist died three hundred years ago. The anniversary of his death has led to books and an exhibition that shed light on the life of this wayward pioneer of microbiology.

arts CODART

7 min reading time

A Museum Summer Filled With New Acquisitions

This summer, some museums have enriched their collections by acquiring beautiful early modern Dutch and Flemish art.

language Marten van der Meulen

4 min reading time

Even in Microstate Andorra, There Is Room for Language Variation

Variation exists in everything, and language is no exception. No matter how small an area is, there is always room for language variation, writes linguist Marten van der Meulen.

All Animal

literature Frits van Oostrom

12 min reading time

Why Reynard the Fox and Flanders Are Inseparable

No other Middle Dutch text has meant so much to so many as 'Reynard the Fox'. Medievalist Frits van Oostrom examines why this story has remained so popular for centuries.

video Masterpieces From the CODART Canon

arts CODART

1 min reading time

The Iconography Series by Anthony van Dyck

‘The Iconography’ by Anthony van Dyck is one of the hundred masterpieces of early modern Dutch and Flemish art in the CODART Canon.

The L-Spot

society Derek Blyth

2 min reading time

How the Dutch Like to Be Beside the Seaside

With its 500 kilometres of coast, the Netherlands is suitable for every holiday season. Thanks to the many beach bars, you do not have to compromise on comfort.

The Translator’s Pick

literature Anna Asbury

5 min reading time

Anna Asbury’s Choice: Willem Frederik Hermans and Marieke de Maré

Every month, a translator of Dutch into English gives literary tips by answering two questions: which translated book by a Flemish or Dutch author should everyone read? And, which book absolutely deserves an English translation?

All Animal

history Raf De Bont

13 min reading time

From Clara to Bokito: The Wilderness in Our Zoos

Our fascination for and exploitation of wild animals has a long history that reveals major social changes: from prestige projects for medieval monarchs to experiences for the general public.

arts Gerdien Verschoor

6 min reading time

Flemish Expressionists in The Hague: An Explosion of Bold Colours, Storytelling, and Painterly Joy

In the exhibition 'Wonderful Memories', Kunstmuseum Den Haag highlights the joyful fanaticism of the Flemish Expressionists.

The Translator’s Pick

literature Scott Rollins

5 min reading time

Scott Rollins’ Choice: Boeli van Leeuwen and Rob Verschuren

Every month, a translator of Dutch into English gives literary tips by answering two questions: which translated book by a Flemish or Dutch author should everyone read? And, which book absolutely deserves an English translation?

history Lutgard Mutsaers

10 min reading time

The Dutch Windmill Is a Cross Between Iconic Heritage, National Pride and Polder Kitsch

In history, Dutch windmills are often a symbol of freedom, loyalty to the fatherland and pride in the past. Lugard Mutsaers describes how a useful tool became a national icon.

Series

All Animal

arts An Faems

6 min reading time

In ‘Baroque Influencers’, Viewers Look Over Rubens’ Shoulder – Just as the Jesuits Did in the Past

The Antwerp Jesuits understood the art of persuasion. In the seventeenth century, they called on none other than Rubens to create a unique series of paintings. The three-part exhibition Baroque Influencers relays their story through a number of lost masterpieces.

review

history Floris Kunert

6 min reading time

Art for Das Reich: The Forgotten Stories Behind Nazi-Looted Art

Investigative journalist Geert Sels spent eight years researching Nazi-looted art in Belgium. In 'Art for Das Reich', he brings many histories of robbery, collaboration and restitution to light for the first time.

review First Book

literature Dirk Vandenberghe

6 min reading time

‘Omdat Ze Leven’ by Brecht de Backer: Quantum Theory Provides Grip in a Messy Existence

How to live? It’s no mean feat, even less so as a single lesbian woman with a desire to have children, as Brecht De Backer’s philosophical debut novel reveals.

The Translator’s Pick

literature David Colmer

5 min reading time

David Colmer’s Choice: Manon Uphoff and Basuki Gunawan

A translator of Dutch into English gives literary tips by answering two questions: which translated book by a Flemish or Dutch author should everyone read? And, which book absolutely deserves an English translation?

Museum Explorer

society Edo Dijksterhuis

6 min reading time

Plenty of Weapons but No War Rhetoric in National Military Museum

The impressive museum, located at a former air base, is not a showcase for the Ministry of Defence but offers a balanced cultural-historical presentation.

video Masterpieces From the CODART Canon

arts CODART

1 min reading time

The Spinario by Jan Gossart

‘The Spinario’ by Jan Gossart is one of the hundred masterpieces of early modern Dutch and Flemish art in the CODART Canon.

review

literature Virginie Platteau

6 min reading time

Fury of Extraordinary Proportions: ‘Falling Is Like Flying’ by Manon Uphoff

In 'Falling Is Like Flying', her highly acclaimed novel, Manon Uphoff delves into a painful personal past in search of love and identity.

All Animal

society Hind Fraihi

7 min reading time

How the Far Right Recognizes Itself in the Return of the Wolf

The return of the wolf in the Low Countries is accompanied by a blaze of controversy. But one group is an unconditional fan: the far right.

The L-Spot

society Derek Blyth

1 min reading time

The Unique Leuven Male Ritual Listed by Unesco

Men from Leuven with the same year of birth unite at 40 to prepare for their 50th anniversary.

literature Maarten Dessing

13 min reading time

English Books Are Popular With Dutch Speakers. So What?

Is it a good thing that the Dutch and Flemish crack open a huge number of English books every year? Or will this trend spell disaster for Dutch publishers, authors and translators?

All Animal

society Lode Delputte

10 min reading time

How Animals Assumed Greater Importance

Despite rapidly losing touch with nature, we have also come to cherish animals in recent decades. That doesn’t come without legal, political and social consequences.

history Elwin Hofman

9 min reading time

Pink Triangles: Adopted Memories of Gay Persecution in Nazi Europe

At Kazerne Dossin in Mechelen, an exhibition highlights the precarious situation of gays and lesbians in Nazi Germany and the occupied countries of France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Translator’s Pick

literature Kristen Gehrman

6 min reading time

Kristen Gehrman’s Choice: Anna Woltz and Evelien de Vlieger

A translator of Dutch into English gives literary tips by answering two questions: which translated book by a Flemish or Dutch author should everyone read? And, which book absolutely deserves an English translation?

podcast History of the Netherlands

history Republic of Amsterdam Radio

8 min reading time

#22 - When a Miracle Turned Amsterdam into a Holy Town

Before Amsterdam made an international name for itself as a port and trading town, it became known as a place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. Thanks to a Eucharistic miracle.

arts Mélanie Huchet

4 min reading time

'Centralia’ by Miel Vandepitte: A Race on Acid in the Heart of an Apocalyptic City

Inspired by an underground mine fire in Pennsylvania, Belgian illustrator Miel Vandepitte created an apocalyptic steampunk western.

The L-Spot

history Derek Blyth

2 min reading time

Hotel New York Combines Migration History With Boutique Hospitality

The former headquarters of the Holland America Line in Rotterdam brings together residents, businessmen and tourists in the grandeur of the turn of the century.

arts Tom Christiaens

11 min reading time

And the Winners of the Flemish Culture Awards are…

From architecture to digital art and brass band to circus, the Flemish Community rewarded its creative talent with Ultimas.

arts Erin Chang

3 min reading time

International Activities of Dutch Artists Return to Pre-Covid Levels

With almost twice as many activities as in the two previous years during the corona pandemic, the international cultural participation of Dutch artists and organisations recovered in 2022.

history Tom Christiaens

3 min reading time

Finally, the “Flemish Canon” Has Been Launched

The ‘Canon of Flanders’ is a list of events, people and traditions that, according to the expert committee, define today’s Flanders.

literature Alex Sullivan

13 min reading time

Simone Atangana Bekono’s 'Zo Hoog De Zon Stond' Translated Into English

Students from two British Universities translated an extract from the second novel of Dutch poet and writer Simone Atangana Bekono.

language Marten van der Meulen

5 min reading time

'Yes, I Do' and Other Words That Change the World

Linguist Marten van der Meulen had the honour to perform one of the rarest and most extraordinary speech acts: the wedding ceremony.

arts Bart Van der Straeten

6 min reading time

To Simply Be: The Architecture of Marie-José Van Hee

Over a career lasting almost fifty years, the Flemish architect Marie-José Van Hee has developed a personal style at the heart of which is the search for harmony, simplicity and a protective effect.

The L-Spot

society Derek Blyth

1 min reading time

The Dutch Art of Uitwaaien

The Dutch are riding their bikes everywhere, always and in any weather. Even when they have to battle against gale-force winds.

video Masterpieces From the CODART Canon

arts CODART

2 min reading time

A Pair of Wedding Gloves

‘A Pair of Wedding Gloves’ is one of the hundred masterpieces of early modern Dutch and Flemish art in the CODART Canon.

language Ingrid Glorie

8 min reading time

A Matter of Awareness: Language Variation in International Dutch Studies

Dutch is a pluricentric language. That raises the question of which variety of Dutch foreign students might be offered.

history Edward De Maesschalck

10 min reading time

Karl Marx Wrote Global History in Brussels

The Belgian capital marked a turning point in the German philosopher's life. It was there Marx worked with his close friend Friedrich Engels on his Communist Manifesto.

review First Book

literature Dirk Vandenberghe

5 min reading time

‘Schervenstad’ by Hanan Faour: Torn Between Peanut Butter and Molokhia

Hanan Faour, a Dutch author with Lebanese roots, has written a moving story about what it is like to discover the land of her father and brother.

literature Tom Christiaens

2 min reading time

12 Dutch Books to Be Full of the Joys of Spring (2023)

Our selection of Dutch-language books that have been translated into English.