In the gardens of Landhuis Bloemhof, the Cathedral of Thorns rises into a labyrinth large enough to walk through. Artist Herman van Bergen used the sharp thorns of Curaçao’s sumpiña bushes to create its walls and corridors. Look closely at the material, then step back to take in the scale. Something you’d normally avoid brushing against has become an entire artwork to explore.
The thorns carry the meaning, too. Their beauty and hostility reflect a journey through difficult history toward a more hopeful future. Symbols from world religions and ancient beliefs rooted in nature appear throughout the design, inviting you to notice what those traditions share.
As you walk, look for artworks incorporated into the walls, adding other artists’ voices to the space. A guided tour helps unpack the stories and details that might otherwise pass you by.
For the illuminated experience, check the schedule for Cathedral at Night. Light changes the way you see the thorn walls, and these evenings can include music and cultural performances. Give yourself time to explore the corridors as well as photograph the outside.
Details We Appreciate
● Local sumpiña thorns transformed into a monumental artwork.
● Religious symbols that invite reflection on shared beliefs.
● Works by other artists integrated into the labyrinth.
● Scheduled evening events that reveal the Cathedral in a different light.