René! I'm Still Standing
Exhibition
Up and until 1 March '26 the Grote Kerk Breda presents the exhibition René! I'm still standing – about love and loss. Artworks by twelve (inter)national artists – contemporary and historical – ponder the major themes in life: sorrow, joy, desire, love, fear and hope. The works confront us with ourselves, offer comfort or encourage reflection.
The famous tomb Le Squelette forms the centrepiece of the exhibition. This monument was erected to René of Chalon, the first and all but forgotten Prince of Orange-Nassau. He died on the battlefield at the age of 25 and lies in the Prince's Chapel in the Grote Kerk Breda. Out of love and grief, his widow Anne of Lorraine commissioned an impressive cadaver tomb in Bar-le-Duc, France. A replica of this spectacular and famous monument is now on display for the first time in the Grote Kerk in Breda. In this way, heart and body are symbolically reunited.
Even centuries later, René's tragic fate still evokes strong emotions
BIG AND SMALL EMOTIONS
Five centuries later, Le Squelette provides the inspiration for an exhibition featuring twelve artists: Laurence Aëgerter, Nan Groot Antink, Alicia Framis, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, Margit Lukács and Persijn Broersen, Oscar Muñoz, Sef Peeters, Ligier Richier, Jan van Scorel and Victor Sonna. Through their paintings, sculptures, photography, installations and video works, they reflect on the big and small emotions in life.
Laurence Aëgerter - Nan Groot Antink - Alicia Framis - Inez van Lamsweerde en Vinoodh Matadin - Margit Lukács en Persijn Broersen - Oscar Muñoz - Sef Peeters - Ligier Richier - Jan van Scorel - Victor Sonna
TIME TRAVEL
Standing upright with his heart in his hand, René's statue reminds us of the transience of existence and the universal questions and emotions associated with it. Le Squelette stands prominently in the Princes' Chapel next to the vault where René's 'real skeleton' was buried after his death and in front of a monumental mirror by artist Laurence Aëgerter: Ici mieux qu'en face ('better here than on the other side'). Thus, past and present converge, resulting in an exhibition about love and loss.
THE POWER OF IMAGINATION
Music Tour
In the most precious and vulnerable moments, both art and music offer guidance to deal with emotions. Especially for René! I’m still standing, Pepijn Lanen selects a song for each artwork that matches the feeling or story behind it. These songs, along with Pepijn's explanation of his choices, can be viewed in the accompanying music tour.
Pepijn, also known by his stage name Faberyayo, is a Dutch rapper and writer. He is a member of De Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig and made his debut as an author in 2013. His most recent book is Gezeik (2024).
By linking visual art, history and music, an open conversation arises about the role that imagination plays in experiencing and processing emotions.
extra activities
Through this exhibition, the Grote Kerk Breda opens up a conversation about the active role that art and music can play in dealing with emotions, and how they can offer you new perspectives or even a way out.
The activities organised focus on young people and anyone who is young at heart. They tell you more about the exhibition, create a moment of peace and space for yourself, or delve deeper into topics covered in the exhibition.
EXPLORE BREDA
Before or after your visit, let yourself be surprised by everything else the city has to offer and feel welcome in hospitable Breda. More info, including information on where to stay, can be found here.
Route and parking
Coming by train? The Grote Kerk Breda is a 10-minute walk from Breda railway station. The church is also easily accessible by bus. You can walk to us in a few minutes from the Karnemelkstraat or Oude Vest bus stops.
Coming by bike or moped? Then park in one of the free bicycle parking facilities. Improperly parked bicycles are regularly removed by the municipality.
Coming by car? The car parks De Prins and De Barones are closest to the Grote Kerk Breda. Click here for general information on parking in Breda.
René! I'm Still Standing is co-sponsored by the Rabo Art Collection, Rabobank Breda Amerstreek, the Municipality of Breda and the province Noord-Brabant:
