If the walls of Stedelijk Museum Breda could talk, they’d share some remarkable stories. Nearly 800 years ago, this building began as a guesthouse for travelers and the sick. Over time, it became an Old Men’s House, and by the mid-20th century, it found its new purpose as a cultural institution
Earliest history
The first recorded mention of the Gasthuis dates back to 1246. In that year, Godfried IV van Schoten, lord of Breda, stated in his will that he was leaving the hospital de Breda — the Gasthuis — as part of his estate.
Originally, the building stood outside the city walls, along the road to ’s-Hertogenbosch, which is how Boschstraat got its name. Next to the Gasthuis stood the Gasthuispoort — the gate through which travelers entered the city. When new fortifications were built in 1531, the Gasthuis became part of the city fortress.
Hospital
In the past, hospitals served as shelters for poor travelers and pilgrims. They also cared for sick townspeople, even those suffering from the plague. These institutions were charitable in nature, funded by wealthy citizens, with religious organizations providing the caregivers.
Over time, the site expanded into a large and impressive complex, including a beijerd (accomodation for passers-by), a chapel and cemetery, a brewery, a farm, and a laundry with a bleaching field.
By the 16th century, the role of the guesthouse began to shift: it became a place where the elderly could pay to spend their later years in care.
Monumental facade
Master stonemason Laureys Drijffhout designed the building’s striking façade. In service of Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange-Nassau, he also worked on several major construction projects in Breda.
You can still admire this historic façade today — especially the heavy stone gate flanked by two carved figures resembling elderly men with walking sticks. Locals affectionately refer to them as Thijs and Geert.From Gasthuis to Oudemannenhuis
In 1798, the Gasthuis officially became an Oudemannenhuis, a home for men over 60 to spend their later years. The building was outfitted with an infirmary, dormitory, and bathing facilities. A separate house was built for the caretaker and nursing staff. The home could accommodate up to 51 men.
After 1900, elderly care increasingly became the responsibility of the government. As a result, the Old Men’s House slowly declined in use, and its doors closed for good in 1953.From De Beyerd to Stedelijk Museum Breda
In 1956, the building found a new purpose as the cultural center De Beyerd. It became home to the Graphic Design Museum in 2008, which later evolved into the Museum Of The Image. Since 2017, the historic site at Boschstraat 22 has been the home of Stedelijk Museum Breda.
Today, this centuries-old building welcomes visitors for exhibitions and events. Here, you’ll explore the rich history of Breda and its royal connections, while also discovering contemporary art from the region and beyond.
