Table of Contents > North Holland > Schagen > Kunsttuin Winkel — The Dutch Kremlin
Do you associate the term ‘Kremlin’ exclusively with the iconic, colorful castle in the heart of Moscow, Russia? Brace yourself for a revelation — there’s a ‘Kremlin’ in the laid-back idyll of Holland too!
Tucked away in the charming, small village of Winkel in North Holland is a one-of-a-kind dreamscape known as ‘The Dutch Kremlin,’ the result of one man’s unwavering dedication and creativity over 40 years. Allow me to lead you through this fascinating world!
The Dutch Kremlin is an otherworldly sculpture garden and must-see art exhibition located approximately 1–2 hours from Amsterdam. Just seeing a photo piqued my interest, and my visit whet my appetite to delve deeper into its mysteries. The Nederlands Kremlin is the brainchild of Ger Leegwater, a welder turned artist who pursued and realized his dream of transforming his backyard into an expansive sensorial spectacle.
But first, a word about ‘Kremlin.’ While Moscow’s fairytale castle is well-known around the world, the Kremlin, or ‘Kreml’ in Russian, refers to strongholds with fortifications, ramparts, and battlements that are typically built at key vantage points in medieval Russian cities. Despite the blessing of over 400 ‘Kremlins’ on medieval Russia, only about 20 remain today.
Leegwater, a blacksmith for many years, has poured his passion for mythology, Italian and Russian architecture, and Biblical stories into his artworks since 1990. In his in-house workshop, he worked on buildings and statues, sometimes executing projects on whims or meticulous design processes that took a long time.
The Dutch Kremlin, Ger’s masterpiece, is a stunning private art exhibition centered on the Kremlin. The garden is enhanced by the artistry of his sculptures. Dragon motifs and other mythological figures are scattered throughout the space, beginning with a portrait of Raphael from the Bible at the entrance. The similarities to St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow attest to Ger’s meticulous attention to detail.
Ger’s commitment to creating something unique and original, as well as his wife Mientje’s unwavering support for his work, moved me deeply. Ger used love, devotion, time, and energy to make his whimsical fantasy a reality. The art garden marvel serves as an inspiring space for all creatives dealing with self-doubt, reminding them of the value of their dreams.
Plan a visit during open garden days to see new artworks and experience the magic of the Nederlands Kremlin.
If you want to come back another time, Ger and Mientje Leegwater can be reached via email (wmpost@hetnet.nl) to see if they are available.
Concerts are held in one of the buildings at various times of the year; keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.
Take a day trip from Amsterdam to explore the captivating Kunsttuin Winkel — The Dutch Kremlin. You’ll find a fantasy world that breathes through Ger Leegwater’s delightfully enthralling art in the heart of Winkel.
Details:
- Address: Limmerschouw 51, 1731 NJ Winkel
- Phone: +31 (0)224541598
- Website: https://www.kunsttuinnederlandskremlin.nl/
Public Transport: Take the train to Alkmaar, then the bus to Leeuwarden, and get off at the monastery in Nieuwe Niedorp. Then walk towards the golf course in Winkel Oost.
Car Parking: There’s no dedicated parking space per se, but since Winkel’s a small village, you can just leave your car outside ‘The Dutch Kremlin.’
Opening Hours, Ticket Prices, and Reservations: To visit ‘The Dutch Kremlin,’ you need to make an appointment via mail or phone.
For more information on the ticket prices and opening hours, please visit their website.
The ticket price in 2023 was EUR 5 per person (cash only). Every euro earned is reinvested back into their art, so your contribution directly supports new developments.
Normally open from March 1st to October 31st, between 11:00 and 16:30 hrs.