Oude Sint-Jacobskerk ('s-Hertogenbosch)

In the heart of 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, stands the impressive Oude Sint-Jacobskerk, also known as the Old St. James Church or the Big Arsenal. This historic building, with its rich tapestry of history and architectural transformations, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of this vibrant city.

The Origins of St. James Church (1430-1629)

Our journey begins in 1430 when the brotherhood of St. James received permission to construct a chapel at Windmolenberg. Dedicated to James the Great, the chapel also served as a refuge for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Over the years, additional altars were dedicated to Mary (1478) and Saint Quirinus, reflecting the growing importance of this sacred site.

In 1569, the chapel was elevated to the status of a parish church for the newly founded parish of St. James. The parish boundaries extended to the Geerlingse Bridge and beyond the city limits towards Rosmalen. By 1584, the chapel had expanded to its current size, a three-aisle basilica with a single nave choir. Although side-naves were planned, they were never completed, likely due to the ongoing Eighty Years' War.

Transformation into a Protestant Church (1629-1650)

The Siege of 's-Hertogenbosch in 1629 marked a significant turning point for the church. Following the city's capture, the church was expropriated and repurposed as a Protestant place of worship. This period of Protestant use lasted until 1650, adding another layer to the building's diverse history.

The Big Arsenal: St. James Barracks and Beyond (1650-1918)

In 1650, the church underwent a dramatic transformation, becoming a wagon house and later a stable. By 1744, the adjacent James' Barracks were constructed, and the church itself was converted into a storage facility for weaponry in 1752. This conversion involved adding multiple floors and replacing the Gothic windows with smaller ones, a heavy construction that still defines the building's appearance today.

The military complex around the church continued to grow throughout the 19th century. From 1880 to 1920, the barracks were used by the infantry and became known as the Big Arsenal Barracks or Kazerne Groot Tuighuys. The name Tuighuis is an old Dutch word for arsenal, reflecting the building's military function. In 1918, the infantry vacated the barracks, paving the way for a new chapter in the building's history.

The Noordbrabants Museum (1925-1986)

In 1925, the Big Arsenal found a new purpose as the home of the Noordbrabants Museum. The Provincial Society for Arts and Sciences in North Brabant, dedicated to promoting arts and sciences, had long sought a suitable location for a museum. The solid floors and spacious interior of the Big Arsenal made it an ideal choice.

Architect Oscar Leeuw was tasked with transforming the building into a museum, creating the current western façade and a suitable entrance. The museum opened its doors in 1925, featuring a hall dedicated to artwork, a stately meeting room in the choir, and galleries showcasing provincial and city history. The museum's presence in the Big Arsenal was crucial for its growth, allowing it to start and expand its collections.

By 1967, the museum hosted a major exhibition of works by Hieronymus Bosch, marking a significant cultural milestone for North Brabant. However, as the museum's activities and ambitions grew, it became clear that the church would not suffice for future developments. In 1986, the museum relocated to its current building on Verwerstraat.

The BAM and Erfgoed 's-Hertogenbosch (Since 1988)

In 1988, the Big Arsenal was repurposed once again, this time as a storage facility for the municipal department for Building History, Archaeology, and Monuments (BAM). The former choir became Podium de Azijnfabriek in 1989, a small venue for concerts and cultural activities, capable of hosting up to 285 people.

In 2014, 's-Hertogenbosch embarked on a project to merge several municipal departments into a single heritage department, Erfgoed 's-Hertogenbosch. This new department, housed in the Big Arsenal, includes the municipal archive, BAM, and the task force for the fortifications. The building now serves as a workplace and storage for the archaeology service, with the ground floor featuring changing exhibitions of archaeological finds and an ArcheoHotspot where visitors can learn about the work of archaeologists.

Today, the Oude Sint-Jacobskerk stands as a testament to the rich and varied history of 's-Hertogenbosch. Open to the public four days a week, it invites visitors to explore its storied past and discover the many layers of history that have shaped this remarkable building. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the city's heritage, a visit to the Oude Sint-Jacobskerk is sure to be a memorable experience.