The School Church Garmerwolde

Groningen Historic Churches Foundation aims to preserve religious cultural heritage situated in the province of Groningen (NL) as well as to enhance interest and share knowledge of it. The School Church in Garmerwolde, just south of the city of Groningen, is an educational space that moves people and stimulates thoughts. The medieval church, the tower with its exhibition Holidays! In East and West and the surrounding grounds offer a rich learning environment. With opportunities for education on various topics, such as immaterial heritage like religious holidays an traditions, history, nowadays society and future, sustainability and art.
In the bell tower a unique 'Escher-like' staircase was built as a vertical museum wing: a fascinating blend of historical and contemporary architecture. Going up and down intertwined stairs, visitors encounter eight interactive depictions of religious holidays, Islamic and Christian respectively. At the top they are greeted by a magnificent view. For the visualization of these religious holidays new symbols were used instead of existing descriptions or images.
Primary schools can book the education program 'Holidays In East and West'. The program contains a guided group dialogue in the medieval church, a visit to the exhibition (with audio tour) and educational games. With this project we offer a platform for the intercultural dialogue in the Netherlands. Our focus is on similarities, not differences, between people and communities.