Grote Kerk Breda

What Grote Kerk Breda does

Grote Kerk Breda is a 750-year-old cultural heritage monument in Breda, North Brabant (Netherlands), operated since 1978 by the secular non-profit foundation Stichting Grote of Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk te Breda. The church building is legally owned by the Protestantse Gemeente Breda; the foundation administers it under contract and is responsible for restoration, maintenance, and exploitation. It is designated as a national monument (rijksmonument) and is one of four TopMonumenten of Brabant, functioning as the mausoleum of the Nassau-Dillenburg dynasty (ancestors of the Dutch royal family).

The foundation operates a diversified portfolio of cultural and commercial offerings on a freemium model. General church admission is free (Mon-Sat 10-17, Sun 13-17), while paid experiences include guided tower climbs (€10/adult, €7.50 concession), thematic and exhibition tours (€7.50-€12.50), educational programs for schools (€3.50-€10/student), multisensory tours for visually impaired visitors (€10), and venue rentals for weddings, corporate events, and cultural events in four spaces ranging from 18 to 900 guests. The foundation runs three membership tiers (Vrienden from €25/year, Gilde at €250/year for businesses, Genootschap at €1,750/year for premium business supporters) and a monthly candle subscription (€20/month) tied to its October 2025-launched Tranen van Breda memorial installation.

The revenue model blends earned income (tickets, venue rentals, memberships) with charitable contributions (donations, ANBI-tax-deductible gifts) and public subsidies from the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, Provincie Noord-Brabant, and Gemeente Breda. The technology footprint is minimal: Global Ticket powers online ticketing, Mollie processes donations, and the website offers a 3D virtual tour and smartphone-based interactive self-guided tours. Annual maintenance exceeds €300,000, while a €7M ten-phase exterior and choir ambulatory restoration program runs through 2027, requiring the foundation to self-finance 30%. The organization employs 17 paid staff, is supported by ~30 volunteers, and is governed by director-bestuurder Drs. Marieke Wiegel with a six-member Supervisory Board operating under the Code Cultural Governance.

Name

Grote Kerk Breda

Legal name

Stichting Grote of Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk te Breda

Website

https://grotekerkbreda.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Grote Kerk Breda is a 750-year-old Dutch national monument in Breda operated by a non-profit foundation, offering free cultural visits, paid tower climbs, guided tours, educational programs, venue rentals, and membership/donation programs subsidized by national, provincial, and municipal governments.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cultural Heritage Monument Services

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Historical Sites (71212)

akta.pro primary industry

UNESCO & Protected Landmark Sites (THAJACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Iconic Architecture & Signature Buildings (Cathedrals, Palaces, Castles) (THAJACAE), Cultural Heritage Institutions (Archives, Historic Houses, Monuments Foundations) (THAJADAI)

Keywords

• Cultural heritage tourism
• Historic monument preservation
• Guided tour services
• Event venue rental
• Heritage educational programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Breda

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Visitor admissions and activity tickets: The church is freely accessible to visitors. Revenue is generated through paid experiences including tower climbs (€10/adult, €7.50/concession), guided tours (€7.50-€12.50), and special activities such as the treasure hunt for children (€2.50).
2. Membership programs (Vrienden, Gilde, Genootschap): Annual membership programs: Vrienden (Friends) starting at €25/year, Gilde (business network) at €250/year, and Genootschap (Society) at €1,750/year. Members receive benefits including discounts, exclusive events, and recognition.
3. Event and venue rentals: The church offers spaces for hire including business events, cultural events, weddings, and farewell gatherings. Four spaces available: Chancel (up to 120 guests), Nave (up to 600 guests), Nave with side aisles (up to 900 guests), and Chapter House (up to 18 guests).
4. Donations and fundraising: Accepts one-time donations for restoration and maintenance support. Special campaigns for specific projects such as the Hillen organ restoration (€1.3 million needed) and choir ambulatory restoration (€7 million project). Donors can also download exclusive organ music recordings in exchange for contributions.
5. Candle subscription service: Monthly subscription (€20/month) allowing a candle to burn daily in front of a portrait of a deceased loved one placed at the memorial monument.
6. Educational programs: School programs including 'Op Ontdekking' for primary school groups 5-6 (€3.50/student), citizenship tours for groups 7-8 (€5/student), and art tours for secondary education (€10/person for multizintuiglijke rondleiding).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Grote Kerk Breda operates a 750-year-old Gothic church in Breda, Netherlands, as a cultural heritage monument and public visitor destination under the Stichting Grote of Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk te Breda foundation. The core offering is free public access to the monument combined with paid visitor experiences including guided tower climbs (€10), themed guided tours (€7.50–€12.50), temporary exhibitions, and structured educational programs for primary and secondary schools. Revenue is diversified through event venue hire (four spaces for 18–900 guests), three-tier membership programs (Vrienden from €25/year, Gilde €250/year, Genootschap €1,750/year), a €20/month memorial candle subscription, donations supporting campaigns such as the €1.3M Hillen organ restoration, and ancillary activities such as the children's treasure hunt (€2.50).

Product overview

Grote Kerk Breda is a cultural heritage monument and 'House of Stories' that offers a unified portfolio of visitor experiences and services. Core offerings include free church visits, fee-based tower climbs (€10), guided tours (€7.50-€12.50), and educational programs. The venue also provides event rental services for weddings, business events, and cultural gatherings. The organization operates membership programs (Vrienden from €25/year, Gilde from €250/year, Genootschap at €1,750/year) and charitable campaigns including the Hillen Organ Restoration. Major recent product launches include the 'Tranen van Breda' memorial (October 2025) featuring donated crystallized tears, and an ongoing organ restoration campaign with downloadable music rewards for donors. The site also hosts rotating exhibitions including 'Eén Liefde, Vele Gezichten' photography exhibition.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Church Visit (general admission) Free entry to the 750-year-old Gothic church during opening hours (Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 13:00–17:00). Visitors can explore the monumental interior, praalgraven (tomb monuments) of the Nassaus, medieval wall paintings, the Van Scorel triptych, and the Hillen organ. Targets tourists, cultural visitors, and local residents.
• Tower Climb (Torenbeklimming) Guided climb of 287 steps up the church tower, departing Wednesday through Sunday at 14:00 and 15:00. Pricing €10 per adult and €7.50 for children aged 12–18, students with valid ID, and Friends/Guild/Society members. Maximum group size 16 persons. Operated by Gilde de Baronie guides.
• Guided Tours (Rondleidingen) Themed guided tours of the church including Highlights (€10), Exhibition tour "Één Liefde, Vele Gezichten" (€12.50, minimum 6 people), Women in the Grote Kerk, Backstage tours, Little Things tours, and Exterior tours. Conducted by trained Gilde Breda volunteer guides with €1 supplement per person for external guides.
• Multi-Sensory Guided Tour (Multizintuiglijke Rondleiding) Multi-sensory guided tour of 90 minutes designed for blind and visually impaired visitors, with max 8 participants. Participants can touch special objects and collection pieces. Pricing €10 per person, free for accompanying caregivers. Assistance dogs welcome.
• Interactive Self-Guided Smartphone Tours Self-guided interactive tours accessible via smartphone, available with or without audio. Includes Fashion Tour and Women in Focus tours, using digital storytelling to bring the church's history to life for independent visitors.
• Educational Programs (Onderwijs) Structured educational programs for primary schools ("Op Ontdekking" for groups 5-6 at €3.50/student and citizenship tours for groups 7-8 at €5/student) and secondary schools (art tours for vmbo/havo/vwo). Books via Educatiewijzer Breda or direct email to [email protected].
• Event Venue Rental (Huur de kerk) Church rental for business events, cultural events, weddings, and farewell gatherings across four spaces: Chapter House (up to 18 guests), Chancel (up to 120), Nave (up to 600), and Nave with side aisles (up to 900). Booked via direct inquiry to [email protected].
• Tranen van Breda Memorial Artwork Memorial artwork installation in the Grote Kerk Breda featuring enlarged, crystallized tears. Visitors can place a portrait of a deceased loved one in the Silent Chapel at the Tranen van Breda memorial for €20 per year (includes photo holder) and donate tears to be processed into the artwork.
• Exhibition: Één Liefde, Vele Gezichten Photography exhibition "Één Liefde, Vele Gezichten – Een Stad in Beeld" running July–November 2025 with free entry. Features photographs of Bredanaars and tattoo artists and is presented as part of the BredaPhoto Festival.
• Friend Membership (Vrienden) Annual individual membership starting at €25/year. Members receive a unique pin badge, a Friend Card with discounts on activities and merchandise, a monthly newsletter, and an invitation to the Friends' Afternoon event.
• Guild Membership (Gilde) Business membership at €250/year for companies and entrepreneurs. Benefits include company brand listing on the foundation website, invitation to an annual networking event, and discounts on cultural activities. Network of approximately 100+ business members.
• Society Membership (Genootschap) Premium business membership at €1,750/year (€1,500 gift + €250 contribution with consideration). Benefits include an exclusive Portland stone gift, brand listing on the foundation website, invitation to the annual Society Dinner with concert, and discounts on cultural activities. Approximately 30 Society member entities.
• Candle Subscription (Kaarsenabonnement) Monthly subscription at €20/month allowing a candle to burn daily in front of a portrait of a deceased loved one placed at the Grote Kerk Breda memorial monument. Targeted at families and individuals seeking tangible remembrance rituals.
• Children's Treasure Hunt (Speurtocht Trots! & Tattoos) Themed treasure hunt activity for children aged 6–10 at €2.50 per child. Available daily during opening hours, themed around the "Één Liefde, Vele Gezichten" exhibition.

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Art UnorganizedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArt Unorganized partners with Grote Kerk Breda for programming and performance of the Hillen organ. The foundation aims to boost the revival of the organ and strengthen the position of organ music in Dutch musical culture.
• Gilde de BaroniecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVolunteer city guides of Gilde de Baronie provide a wide range of activities including various guided tours and tower climbs of Grote Kerk Breda. They enthusiastically share their knowledge about the church and its history.
• Grootste Museum van NederlandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe largest museum in the Netherlands unites churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques as one museum, making the beauty of these buildings accessible to everyone.
• MuseumverenigingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs a knowledge partner, Grote Kerk Breda contributes to strengthening the cultural sector by actively sharing and gathering knowledge to enhance quality, innovation, and accessibility within heritage and culture.
• Protestantse Gemeente BredacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Protestant Community of Breda owns the church building. Since 1978, the secular Stichting Grote Kerk Breda has been responsible for restoration, maintenance, and exploitation of the national monument.
• Toegankelijk MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partnership ensuring programming for special needs target groups. Collaborates on communication and organization of accessible offerings.
• TopMonumenten BrabantcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatform showcasing the four most important monuments of North Brabant province: Grote Kerk Breda, Sint-Jan in Den Bosch, Markiezenhof in Bergen op Zoom, and Kasteel Heeswijk.
• TURF EventminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity-wide electronic music, art, culture, and tech event in the heart of Breda. Grote Kerk Breda hosts live performances and art installations during TURF events.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Stichting Monumentenbezit: Dutch national foundation that owns and restores historic monuments, including churches, comparable in structure and mission to Stichting Grote Kerk Breda but operating at much greater scale across multiple sites.

Direct peers

• Sint-Janskathedraal Den Bosch: St. John's Cathedral in 's-Hertogenbosch is one of the other four TopMonumenten of Brabant and the most direct comparable — a Brabant Gothic cathedral that operates as a cultural heritage site, tourist attraction, and event venue with tower visits, guided tours, exhibitions, and restoration fundraising.
• Dom Tower (Domtoren) Utrecht: Utrecht's medieval bell tower offering guided tower climbs and cultural programming as a heritage foundation. Closely comparable to Grote Kerk Breda's €10 tower climb of 287 steps and use of tower visits as a key monetization lever.
• Westerkerk Amsterdam: Iconic 17th-century church in Amsterdam offering tower climbs, organ concerts, and event rentals — directly comparable to Grote Kerk Breda's combination of paid tower climbs, music programming (Hillen organ), and venue hire.
• Markiezenhof Bergen op Zoom: Historic palace and museum in Bergen op Zoom, and another of the four TopMonumenten of Brabant. Directly comparable as a designated Brabant heritage institution with multi-purpose venue use (museum, exhibitions, events) and restoration-program funding dependencies.
• Oude Kerk Amsterdam: Amsterdam's oldest building, operating as a contemporary art and cultural venue inside a deconsecrated medieval church, with exhibitions, concerts, and heritage interpretation. The model of merging contemporary art programming with historic-church preservation closely mirrors Grote Kerk Breda's 'House of Stories' approach.
• Museum Catharijneconvent Utrecht: Dutch museum of religious art and Christian cultural heritage housed in a former monastery and cathedral complex in Utrecht. Comparable as a Dutch cultural-heritage institution that monetizes a religious-historic building through ticketed exhibitions, educational programs, and event rentals.
• Pieterskerk Leiden: Historic Leiden church and national monument that has been secularized into a cultural venue, hosting lectures, exhibitions, concerts, and private events. Its operating model as a heritage foundation running cultural programming in a deconsecrated church is closely parallel to Grote Kerk Breda's foundation structure.
• Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam: A historic Amsterdam church operating as a paid exhibition and event venue, hosting rotating contemporary exhibitions, corporate events, and cultural programming. Its business model of monetizing a historic church interior for art exhibitions and high-end events is highly comparable to Grote Kerk Breda's venue-rental and exhibition strategy.
• Kasteel Heeswijk: Castle and museum in Heeswijk, also one of the four TopMonumenten of Brabant. Operates with a similar model of ticketed tours, exhibitions, events, and restoration fundraising in a heritage structure, making it a direct Dutch provincial peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/grote-kerk-breda

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Grote Kerk Breda