Sonsbeek 2026 children's artwork 'Verhalen op de Bleek'
Sonsbeek 2026
Park Sonsbeek, Arnhem
22 September –
11 October 2026
Inleiding
Verhalen op de Bleek (press to listen – only in Dutch):
– Doek 1, de Wijzer groep 6
Verhalen van: Angeline, Chiel and Joep
Doek 2, de Wijzer groep 7
Verhalen van: Doreen, Menno and Margje
– Doek 3, de Sterrenkring Gazellen
Verhalen van: Jeanne, Bernadette and Yvonne
– Doek 4, de Sterrenkring Tijgers
Verhalen van: Michiel, Boukje, Anne and Lara
– Doek 5, Binnenstad Montessori groep 8
Verhalen van: Bob, Rosemin and Minoo
– Doek 6, Binnenstad Montessori groep 6
Verhalen van: Tess, Sonja and teacher Harriet
– Doek 7, Binnenstad Montessori groep 7
Verhalen van: Christien, Krista Burger and teacher Jolijn
– Doek 8, Paulusschool groep 8
Verhalen van: Ben and teacher Tom
– Doek 9, Paulusschool groep 7
Verhalen van: Menno, Martine and Lizzie
– Doek 10, Paulusschool nieuwkomersklas
Verhalen van: Kaja, Ine and Fanja
Over 'Verhalen op de Bleek'
As part of the education programme of Sonsbeek 2026: I don’t need a backyard, I share a park, ten classes from four Arnhem schools have spoken with Arnhem residents about a personal story or a special memory. This resulted in thirty unique stories about life in the city: from stories about a postman or a violinist to stories about heritage, a love of animals and unforgettable first experiences.
The children have translated these stories into large-scale painted canvases, which will be on display from 22 September on the historic meadow known as ‘De Bleek’ (the Bleach) in Park Sonsbeek. On this site, between Molenplaats Sonsbeek and the Netherlands Water Museum, white laundry was once spread out to bleach in the sun. For Sonsbeek 2026, this historic site takes on a new meaning: the meadow will be covered with colourful canvases depicting the stories of Arnhem residents.
On 22 and 23 September, 250 Arnhem schoolchildren will come to the park to jointly open Verhalen op de Bleek (Stories on the Bleach). The artwork was designed and created under the guidance of HARTenHAVE Cultuureducatie and artist Krista Burger.
Verhalen op de Bleek will be on view from 22 September through 11 October during regular Sonsbeek 2026 opening hours (Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00–18:00), on the meadow between Molenplaats Sonsbeek and the Netherlands Water Museum.
Bleekveld langs Sonsbeek aan de Zijpendaalseweg, Arnhem, ca. 1875–1885. Collectie Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Het Utrechts Archief.