Paradys takes you on an art route through the heart of Leeuwarden. Discover how (inter)national and local artists from Fryslân explore and interpret the theme of grûn — the ground beneath us — through inspiring works of art. The route begins and ends at Bouwurk, on the Oldehoofsterkerkhof: the vibrant heart of Paradys. From here, you’ll be guided past powerful and diverse artworks throughout the city.

Follow the route and discover:

Saskia Noor van Imhoff
Saskia Noor van Imhoff's project brings together historical and contemporary elements in the Pier Pander Temple. Using materials such as glass, bronze and 3D scans of Pander's sculptures, she emphasises the many layers of time hidden in this inspiring place.
Temple. Using materials such as glass, bronze, and 3D scans of Pander’s sculptures, she highlights the many layers of time embedded in this inspiring space.

Werker Collective
‘A Moving History of the Young Worker’ explores the representation of (queer) workers throughout history in the Blokhuispoort. Werker Collective takes you into a video installation that brings together old and new images.

Selma Selman
In 600 Years of Migrant Mothers, this promising young artist examines themes such as her own heritage, migration, and identity. Drawing from her Roma background and her family’s work in metal recycling, she presents a powerful piece in the Grote Kerk church, combining painting with heavy machinery.

Stijn ter Braak
Stijn ter Braak’s project explores the relationship between waste, community and the city.
On the Voorstreek, he collaborates with the local mienskip to create a sculpture from locally collected waste in a large container. Ter Braak transforms everyday materials into art on the spot, encouraging both himself and visitors to reflect on their consumption habits.

Peng Zhang
Chinese artist Peng Zhang explores the relationship between humans, art and nature, with a focus on rural life. His work — a garden — is located at Bouwurk, symbolically linking land and city.
During the 100 days of Paradys, he hosts workshops, performances and other activities in the garden, engaging the mienskip in his process.

Tjibbe Hooghiemstra & Nyk de Vries
Myn Fest is Dyn Fest (My Party is Your Party) examines the shadow side of mienskip — how social control and exclusion can shape seemingly close-knit communities. Together, Hooghiemstra and De Vries create a multimedia installation that makes the impact of community tangible.

Koos Buster
At Bouwurk, Koos Buster uses his playful and provocative sculptures to explore rituals and the process of giving and receiving. He invites the viewer to leave something behind — but immediately confronts you with the question: what do you expect in return? Is altruism real, or are we always acting out of self-interest?

Mounira al Solh
Lebanese-Dutch artist Mounira al Solh presents a video work about the oldest cedar tree in Lebanon.
This tree, which has stood for thousands of years in the Lebanese mountains, is a symbol of the region’s history and culture — a silent witness to the passage of time.
With this work, Al Solh reflects on the relationship between humans, nature, and history.

Hedwich Rooks
Through a multimedia installation and sculptures, Hedwich Rooks makes the deep timescales of the Earth tangible. Presented in collaboration withNoorderlicht, her work tells the story of the hidden Southwal Volcano beneath the Wadden Sea, and reflects on how nature and humans together shape the landscape.
She invites us to see the world beneath our feet with new eyes.

Sanne Vaassen
Working with biologists, Sanne Vaassen investigates the local ecosystem.
At the Frisian Nature Museum (Natuurmuseum Fryslân), in collaboration with Stichting Symbio and Oerol, she presents a new work that brings the rhythm of nature to life. This installation is based on the heartbeats of animals native to the Leeuwarden ecosystem — a subtle auditory and visual interpretation of living nature. In 2024, Sanne Vaassen was awarded the Symbio Art Prize.

An experience for everyone!
The Paradys art route opens on 14 June and is free to visit daily. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover, simply curious, or just in the mood for a unique walk through Leeuwarden, Paradys invites you to see the world around you through different eyes.

Begin your journey at Bouwurk, and let yourself be guided through stories from across the globe.
Stroll through green spaces, visit museums, and discover hidden gems in the heart of Leeuwarden.
Listen to the voices of the artists — and let them move you. Come by and be amazed. Paradys is for everyone.