MAG Utrecht #23: July & August 2020

JULY & AUGUST 2020

In search of

peace, space & nature YOUR GUIDE TO THE CITY’S HOTSPOTS AND ITS CULTURAL EVENTS

40 MAG Utrecht — Jul/Aug 2020

DISCOVER THE REGION

The early bird...

Wide horizons, idyllic lakes, gently rolling hills, sprawling polder landscape, winding forest paths, heathland and sand dunes: you can’t fault the nature around Utrecht. So grab your (e-)bike, motorbike or car and head out of town towards the forests, heather and sand dunes of National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the green (and flat) meadows of the typically Dutch polder area north of View over a lake in the Korte Duinen area, close to the village of Soest

Amersfoort, or the area around Kromme Rijn river, for example. Nature is at its best there when everything is quiet, so try to get there early. Be honest, on a warm summer morning, what could be better than feeling the first rays of sun rising over the treetops, hearing the early morning chorus of the birds or seeing the dewdrops glistening in the grass? > For inspiration: visitutrechtregion.com/en

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Contents Digital art in Buitenplaats Doornburgh

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Summer in Utrecht 42 Canoeing in Rhijnauwen

CULTURE

The measures designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus are affecting everything and everyone.

But one thing has become patently obvious during the lockdown: Utrecht is full of creative spirits.

All kinds of exciting initiatives, surprising collaborations and fun activities have sprung up in efforts to make the ‘new normal’ a little bit more palatable.

This summer, we’re not producing a separate MAG Utrecht. But we still want to inspire international residents and visitors to enjoy their summer in Utrecht. There’s still plenty to do! We’re providing tips for cultural events, we’ll guide you to the most natural, peaceful spots in and around the city and we tell you how best to support local small businesses in these challenging times.

Photography Juri Hiensch

44 Spotlight In search of peace, space & nature 45 Music Great gigs 46 Kids Take a trip to the museum 47 Movies Films on location 48 Exhibitions & Museums Tips for art lovers 50 Shopping A little local love

50 Grab a local beer by Eleven Brewery

For up-to-date information check magutrecht.com or follow us on

EXPLORE

For those who like a challenge or read and speak Dutch fluently - this whole magazine will inspire you to have a great summer by being a tourist in the city. Enjoy!

40 Discover the region Head into nature

SHOPPING

We must, however, stress that all our tips are conditional. Everything is COVID-proof, but as we all know, the situation can change at the drop of a hat. Wherever you go, always check the website or social media of the place you’re heading, observe the hygiene rules issued by the Dutch Institute for Public Health (RIVM) and follow instructions given by staff and/or volunteers on the spot.

And stay at home if you or anyone in your household develops health problems.

45 Surprise tours in TivoliVredenburg

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MAG Utrecht — Jul/Aug 2020

SPOTLIGHT

Vlinderhof in Máxima Park

peace, space & nature In search of

LIVING IN A CITY IS GREAT, BUT YOU CAN SOMETIMES FEEL TRAPPED. PARTICULARLY IF YOU DON’T HAVE A LARGE HOUSE, A GARDEN OR EVEN A BALCONY. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WE ALL NEED PEACE, SPACE AND NATURE. LET US HELP YOU FIND IT.

By Dieuwke de Boer

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f you’re looking for green space, a foray into one of the city’s many parks is the easiest (and closest) option, but you could also venture further afield. Grab your bike and head for Overvecht, for example. To the north of this district, you’ll find Noorderpark Ruigenhoek, a polder area with small fishing lakes that many locals probably don’t know about. It’s a beautiful spot for walking, biking or spreading a blanket on the banks of a lake for a picnic.

Another place that’s well suited to social distancing is Beatrix Park in Lunetten. Lie back on the grass with a good book, or just relax and gaze up at the

clouds. And you don’t need to go all the way to High Line in New York or Lurie Garden in Chicago for public gardens with international allure; try the Vlinderhof in Máxima Park in Leidsche Rijn. Like its American cousins, this garden is the work of the world-famous Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf. The Vlinderhof definitely bears the traditional Oudolf signature with its exuberant displays of flowering plants and ornamental grasses.

CALM YOUR NERVES

Whereas some people have found peace during the lockdown, others are finding the never-ending meetings on Zoom, Skype or Teams more stressful than ever. Animals can help to calm your nerves and reduce your stress levels. Luckily, Utrecht has plenty of urban petting farms where you can go and feed a goat or stroke a bunny. The delicious coffee and cake at Stadsboerderij Koppelsteede (Koppeldijk 115) is an added bonus, at Stadstuin Zuilen (Daalseweg 150/150A) you can harvest veggies and pick flowers to take home with you and the bunnies and goats at Gagelsteede (Gangesdreef 7A) are just too cute.

Jul/Aug 2020 — MAG Utrecht

COVID-proof?

All our tips are COVID-proof. But the general guidelines still apply: avoid crowds, stay at home if you have health problems, stay at least 1.5 metres from other people, always follow instructions given by staff or volunteers, and observe the hygiene rules issued by the Dutch Institute for Public Health (RIVM).

Beatrix Park

Photography Jurjen Drenth, Anne Hamers, Juri Hiensch

If the country is sweltering in a heat wave in July or August, it may be time to take to the water. You could hire a canoe from Kanoverhuur Utrecht (kanoverhuurutrecht. nl) and paddle around the city’s numerous canals, or from De Rijnstroom (rijnstroom.nl) if you’d rather paddle or row your way in the direction of Rhijnauwen en Amelisweerd. If you’re not the type to work yourself into a sweat, an electric boat from Greenjoy (greenjoy.nl/utrecht) or Sloepdelen (sloepdelen.nl/sloep-huren-utrecht) is a good alternative. Some parts of the canals are only accessible to these silent boats. And if you’d like to combine ‘business’ with pleasure and finish the day feeling proud of yourself, hire a SUP board, pedal canoe, kayak or hammock raft from The Adventure Guide 030 (theadventureguide030.com) and fish the plastic out of the water as you float or pedal your way around the canals.

IDYLLIC SUNSETS

Unfortunately, an idyllic sunset on the beach with a seductive cocktail in your hand is one of the few pleasures that Utrecht doesn’t have to offer. But…if you use your imagination, somexxxxx places come very close. The Soia urban beach (Kanaalweg 199), located at the most northern point of the Oog in Al district, offers panoramic views of the yellow bridge leading to Leidsche Rijn and the water at the confluence of the Amsterdam-Rhine and Merwede canals. Another great place to watch the sunset on a sultry summer evening is Op Zuid (Neerlandiakade 2B), which has a terrace on the quay of the Amsterdam-Rhine canal.

De Kwekerij (Burg. Fockema Andrealaan 13) is a pleasant dash of green in the middle of a concrete jungle. And on the spacious terrace of the Nijverheidscafé (Nijverheidskade 15) you can take in a spot of art whilst enjoying your drink.

S oia

GONE FISHING

HIDDEN GEMS

Another great trip is a visit to one of the forts of the New Dutch Waterline. Between 1815 and 1940, this defence line made it impossible for enemies to reach the west of the country.

Most of the forts can be visited nowadays. The Waterlinie Museum at Fort Vechten is an excellent place to learn more about the New Dutch Waterline itself. Fort aan de Klop (1e Polderweg 4) in Overvecht is a peaceful, green oasis close to the River Vecht. One of the hidden gems is Fort de Batterijen (Overeindseweg 25, Nieuwegein): it’s smack in the middle of nature, but still in cycling distance from the city centre.

Rhijnauwen

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advertorial

MAG Utrecht — Jul/Aug 2020

The theatre

is open!

THEATRICAL APPETISERS

POP-UP SHOWS

You are welcome from 12 noon every day throughout the summer for lunch or dinner at Mevr. Dudok café, Zindering restaurant or one of the expansive outdoor terraces. You may even be in for a surprise theatrical appetiser in the shape of a pop-up show by a random artist. The theatres themselves are offering a selection of theatre programmes from 1 July onwards. Don’t wait too long to book because only 100 people are allowed in the audiences in July!

THE THEATRE HAS OPENED ITS DOORS AGAIN. YOU ARE WELCOME FROM 12 NOON EVERY DAY THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER IN THE CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS. AND THEY’VE ALSO LINED UP SOME THEATRE SHOWS FOR YOU.

SUMMER SPECIAL

SVEN RATZKE SINGS BOWIE We’ve all known that Sven Ratzke is one of the best Bowie tribute singers around since his international hit show Starman.

Although Ratzke’s latest tour entitled ‘Where are we now’ had to be postponed, on 10 and 11 July he will treat us to some of the numbers from the show and a few songs that were never actually performed by the master of pop. With pianist Christian Pabst, Sven will launch himself into Bowie’s universe to unravel the mysteries of his compositions. Come and enjoy this summer special of Ratzke’s favourite Bowie songs in an intimate setting.

DONATE OR ADOPT A SEAT

SUPPORT THE THEATRE The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on everyone, including theatres. When theatres are given permission to reopen properly, it’s important that Utrecht and the surrounding areas have an exciting cultural programme to offer. So they need your help. By supporting the theatre, you’re also supporting the artists, theatre companies and ensembles that play there. You can do this by making a donation or adopting a seat. Can you help?

New shows are regularly appearing on the theatre’s programme, so keep a close eye on the website: stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl

Photography Dorien Hein, Hanneke Wetzer

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SOME OF US MIGHT PREFER THE DISORGANISED, SWEATY CHAOS OF A MOSH PIT, BUT AN INTIMATE CONCERT WITH A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE ALSO HAS A CERTAIN APPEAL. SO TRY TO ALTERNATE THE LIVE STREAM ON YOUR LAPTOP WITH A REAL CONCERT FOR A CHANGE. AT LEAST THAT’S ALLOWED! ONE-MAN MOSH PIT

LIVE STREAMS & LIVE SHOWS

> several dates in July and August, dB’s (CAB-Rondom 100) dbstudio.nl

Music

Or try JAZZY AFTERNOONS Jazz musicians perform live, either inside or on the outdoor terrace > Every Sunday from 3 pm, Hofman Café hofman-café.nl

RADIO SOIA 80s hits, disco, world music and house tunes > Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 10 pm, on the terrace of Soia (Kanaalweg 199) or in your own back yard via live stream soia.nl/radio

Photography Jelmer de Haas, Han Ernest

LIVE MUSIC EVERY DAY Intimate live shows in the most famous live music café in a wharf cellar > daily from 8 or 9 pm, ‘t Oude Pothuys (Oudegracht 279) pothuys.nl

SURPRISE TOUR

WALK THE LINE This summer, TivoliVredenburg presents Walk the Line, a tour of the building - including some nooks and crannies you normally don’t get to see featuring four concerts in Ronda, the main hall, Pandora, Hertz or Cloud Nine. Dutch musicians, poets, bands and ensembles will take to the stage, but the actual line-up remains a surprise. So you could be listening to metal in Ronda, classical masterpieces in Hertz, spoken word in Pandora and jazz in Cloud Nine. There will be several tours a week, including some special editions serving an alljazz, -indie or -lecture programme. So do make sure to regularly check the website and social media for up-to-date information. > TivoliVredenburg tivolivredenburg.nl/walktheline

CULTURE

As part of The Show Must Go ONline, dB’s is streaming a live show every Sunday. So get yourself a cold beer, head outside with your laptop and tune in. Or catch it live. A limited number of tickets is available for every show, so keep an eye on the dB’s website for the latest line-up. On 5 July, hip hop is on offer with Major Dreamin’ and Della Dix. And on 12 July, Tim Knol and the Blue Grass Boogiemen take to the stage. If this sounds like your thing, buy a ticket via dbs.stager.nl/web/tickets, and who knows, you could even get your own one-man mosh pit going.

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CLOSING IN ON OUTER SPACE

SONNENBORGH

How fast are we travelling through space? Are you made of stardust? Which world-famous research was carried out at Sonnenborgh? What does this bastion of the observatories actually do? How does a telescope work? How can you measure time? Kids over 8 years old can expect answers to all these questions at Sonnenborgh. Point a telescope at the universe, solve the riddles of the sun, disappear into a black hole and build your own satellite. > Wednesday and Friday, Sonnenborgh – museum and observatory (Zonnenburg 2) sonnenborgh.nl

ANIMALS, NATURE AND HISTORY

MUSEUM HOGE WOERD

> Saturday and Sunday, Museum Hoge Woerd (Hoge Woerdplein 1) museumhogewoerd.nl/en

Kids

ELECTRIC TOURING ‘MUSEUM’

SPEELKLOK ROADSHOW

On Monday 1 June, Museum Speelklok not only reopened its doors to the public, but it also launched its roadshow onto the streets. The Speelklok Roadshow is a mountain of piled up cupboards, drawers and doors, behind which you’ll find things to do, learn and discover about the world of self-playing instruments. A collapsible photo exhibition and treasure hunt, for example, and all sorts of things to do. Try to get a tune out of the organ pipes or bells, or have a go at turning the barrel organ. The roadshow will be a regular visitor to the city’s streets this summer, so keep your eyes and ears open. > July and August, Museum Speelklok (Steenweg 6) and the city centre museumspeelklok.nl

Photography Aafke Holwerda, Roelof ter Poorten, Marieke Wijntjes

A trip to Leidsche Rijn wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Castellum Hoge Woerd. At the spot where some 2,000 years ago, Roman soldiers guarded their frontiers, you’ll now find a modern replica of an original Roman fort. The location follows the design of the original fort to a tee; the walls are the same height and the dimensions match exactly. Not to mention everything that’s going on behind the walls! On Saturdays and Sundays, the English audio tour of Museum Hoge Woerd teaches you about Roman history and the archaeological discoveries made on this spot. Make sure to check the website for up-to-date opening hours and to reserve tickets for the museum. And while you’re there, you can lend a hand in the Steede Hoge Woerd (open from Tuesdays to Sundays) garden, help to feed the animals and climb a reconstruction of the Roman watchtower. Head to the CastellumCafé (open from Wednesday to Sunday) for a drink and a bite to eat.

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CLIMAX & HOLY MOTORS An edgy film with a theatre programme to support it: during the CineArt evenings in the cultural haven De Nijverheid, film theatre ‘t Hoogt combines film with theatre. Theatre artist Marieke Heerema creates a theatrical experience that dovetails with the film you will see (or have already seen). Either English is spoken in the films, or they have English subtitles. On the bill on 30 July is Climax, directed by Gaspar Noé (Irreversible, Enter the Void). A group of dancers touring the USA is rehearsing in an old school building. The rehearsal turns into a party, and the sangria flows freely. However, the sangria is spiked with LSD and things soon spiral out of control. On 27 August you can watch Holy Motors, a surrealist film by French director Leos Carax. It’s about a few hours in the shadowy life of a mystic man named Monsieur Oscar.

Some called the film ‘completely bonkers’ when it premiered in 2012, where others described it as ‘mythical, mysterious and extravagant’. > 30 July and 27 August, De Nijverheid (Nijverheidskade 15) hoogt.nl/international

CULTURE

Movies

3x films

on location IN THE LIBRARY The library on Neude is definitely worth a visit, just to see inside this stunning building. But did you know that they also have a cinema? Check the library’s website to discover which films are showing and whether they’re suitable for non-Dutch speakers. > Bibliotheek Neude bibliotheekutrecht.nl

ON THE ROOF Imagine a warm, sultry evening when you don’t want to go indoors to watch a film. No problem. Just move the film onto the roof. If the weather plays ball, the Pathé cinema in Leidsche Rijn (that striking red box next to the yellow bridge) does just this and organises rooftop cinema evenings. Check the website for the programme. > Pathé Utrecht Leidsche Rijn, Berlijnplein 100 pathe.nl/rooftopcinema

IN A ‘CAFÉ’ Most Fridays and Saturdays, you can sit back in the Filmcafé and enjoy a relaxed night of movies.

Added bonus: the cinema might move outdoors onto the terrace during the summer months. > Filmcafé, CAB-Rondom 90A filmcafe.nl

MAIDEN Tracy is a 24-year-old ‘pintsized high-school drop-out’, who comes up with the idea getting an all-female crew together to compete in the world’s toughest, most dangerous yacht race. She did this in the 1980s, when the general view was that ‘girls aren’t for sailing, they’re for screwing when you get into port’. Tracy started learning to sail when she was sixteen, taking part-time jobs as a cook and cleaner on yachts to fund her hobby. When she heard about the Whitbread Round the World Race, taking part became an obsession.

Despite all the odds, she and twelve other women finally sailed out of port. Journalists opened a book on how long it would be before they capsized, and the Guardian described the boat as ‘a tin full of tarts’. But the women were adamant to win and willing to risk everything to achieve that goal. > Maiden is screening at the Louis Hartlooper Complex (Tolsteegbrug 1) or Springhaver (Springweg 50) from 9 July springhaver.nl

48 MAG Utrecht — Jul/Aug 2020 A TRIP TO THE MIFFY MUSEUM, THE RAILWAY MUSEUM, MUSEUM CATHARIJNECONVENT OR THE CENTRAAL MUSEUM IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA, BUT WHY NOT TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS SUMMER? HERE ARE A FEW TIPS.

DIGITAL SEA OF FLOWERS

CONTINUOUS LIFE AND DEATH AT THE NOW OF ETERNITY

> until 30 August, Buitenplaats Doornburgh (Diependaalsedijk 17, Maarssen) buitenplaatsdoornburgh.nl

Exhibitions & Museums

WORKING-CLASS UTRECHT

ORDINARY LIFE

It’s difficult to imagine that Wijk C used to be the most densely populated area of Utrecht.

Having been a true working-class neighbourhood, it generates some wonderful stories about ordinary everyday life in the 19th and 20th centuries. How did people do their washing without washing machines? And how did they survive despite the poverty? You’ll find the answers to these (and many more) questions the Nederlands Volksbuurtmuseum in Wijk C. And then take a stroll through the district as it is today. > Tuesday to Sunday, Nederlands Volksbuurtmuseum (Waterstraat 27) volksbuurtmuseum.nl

CRIMINAL ART

OFFENDER

Crowded series, Benine du Toit

Paradise, Roderick Laperdrix

EXbunker is a mini gallery in a former World War II commando bunker in Wilhelmina Park. In July, the gallery will be displaying raw, expressive charcoal sketches by Benine du Toit and colourful, eccentric oil paintings by Roderick Laperdrix. Both artists started from the same point: the well-known mugshots originally intended for police records, but regularly featured in the media (intentionally or unintentionally).

In August, Joyce Overheul and Marin Hondebrink join forces to display their love for expensive designer brands and all things kitsch. > 4 to 26 July, EXbunker (Wilhelminapark 24A) exbunker.nl

HISTORY LESSON

DIVE INTO THE ARCHIVE It’s much more fun wandering around town on a sultry summer evening licking an ice-cream if you know a little about its history. Our history lesson starts in the Utrecht Archives. The exhibition Utrecht starts here is a compilation of highlights from the city’s 2,000-year history: you discover how the canals and wharfs evolved, what caused the first traffic jam and what went on at the very first edition of the Lowlands music festival which might help to soften the blow of a summer without festivals. > Tuesday to Sunday, Het Utrechts Archief (Hamburgerstraat 28) hetutrechtsarchief.nl/en

Photography Pauluz@Concrestate, teamLab courtesy Pace Gallery, Juri Hiensch, Frans Buitendijk

The international art cooperative teamLab is made up of hundreds of artists, programmers, engineers, animators, mathematicians, architects and designers.

Their aim is to change the way we look at art, by taking you on an immersive experience: you step into the artists’ world, which in turn reacts to you. This summer, a digital work of art entitled Continuous Life and Death at the Now of Eternity is on display at Buitenplaats Doornburgh, a beautiful tranquil spot on the River Vecht in Maarssen. It shows a digital sea of flowers, which moves and sways in time with the passing of the day. You must by a ticket with a timeslot online in advance. Combitickets including coffee and cake to go are also available, so that you can go into the park afterwards and reflect upon your recent immersive experience.

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IMAGINATION

ALLEMAAL WONDEREN Miracles are nothing new. They have been an important part of day-today life in every culture and every religion since the beginning of time.

They have also been a constant source of inspiration to artists.

Depicting events between heaven and earth requires an enormous feat of imagination. But this challenge has led to some of the most exciting, moving works of art ever created.

This exhibition is a compilation of the finest, most unique art works from national and international collections, from Rembrandt and Mondriaan to Abramović. > until 23 August, Museum Catharijneconvent catharijneconvent.nl/visitor-information

CULTURE

A Place Beyond Belief, Nathan Coley

s

SURREAL

DE TRANEN VAN EROS (EROS’ TEARS)

The only official Dutch surrealist was born in Utrecht: the painter Johannes Moesman (19091988). He portrayed his sexual fantasies at a time when it was highly taboo, particularly in the Netherlands. But he wasn’t the only surrealist who tried to free himself from the confines of conformism by exploring this topic. This exhibition places Moesman’s work within the context of his international counterparts. In addition to Salvador Dalí, René Magritte and Max Ernst, for the first time, space has been allocated to female surrealists including Claude Cahun, Leonora Carrington and Leonor Fini. > until 16 August, Centraal Museum centraalmuseum.nl/en

The White Race, René Magritte (1937)

BEAM ME UP

DOM TOWER

Even though the pride of Utrecht is currently shrouded in scaffolding, you can still climb the tower with a guide during the renovation work.

You can climb the 495 steps with a guide, who will tell you all kinds of interesting stories and remarkable facts on the way up. At the end of the climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Utrecht skyline. Book your ticket for a guided tour online. > daily, Dom tower (Domplein) domtoren.utrechtmarketing.nl/exhibitions/register

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All Utrecht made!

A little local love

ICONIC CITY SIGHTS

LOUISSONS

TO THE RESCUE

TWISTED JAMS Lots of fruit and vegetables that are ‘too ugly’ to sell end up being wasted. But Mirjam and Angela, who met each other while working at De Bakkerswinkel, are on a mission to rescue them.

Their Twisted Jams are served in several restaurants, but you can also buy them in some stores, like WAAR on Lijnmarkt.

Ready to try a Spicy Paprika or Apple Caramel Sea Salt jam?

TIMES ARE TRICKY FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYBODY RIGHT NOW, BUT LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO CERTAIN SETBACKS, LIKE, SAY, A GLOBAL PANDEMIC. THE GOOD NEWS: IT’S EASY AND FUN TO SUPPORT THEM.

Brothers Tim (Utrecht) and Erik (Delft) Louisse share a passion for graphic design, illustration and architecture. While travelling abroad they came across old travel posters, and soon the idea for Louissons was born: postcards and posters of iconic Dutch city sights, with a vintage twist. Printed on recycled paper, these colourful posters are a beauty to behold, and a great homage to our picturesque city. louissons.com/en

twistedjams.nl

By Merel van ‘t Hooft

PERSONAL TOUCH

ECHTWAAR

EchtWaar is a workshop for people that struggle to find a place to work, for various reasons. They create ceramics and textiles, often with drawings of wellknown places in Utrecht, and/or using recycled materials. You can visit their workshop to have a look at their products, or browse their web shop. The ceramic cups with a hand drawn Dom Tower, Stadskantoor or water tower on them make for a great present. echtwaar.nl

COME TO PAPA

ELEVEN BREWERY

According to Loes and Kevin, they started Eleven Brewery in the year who cares. Ever since that mysterious start, they’ve been brewing a fine selection of beers, including hopped beers, stouts and Weizen. With names like Papa Beer and UTCA (slang for Utrecht), you’ll easily spot their creations on the menus of some bars and restaurants, but you can also find them in their web shop. brouwerijeleven.com

EDIBLE SOAP?

WERFZEEP

Looking for some extra soap to wash your hands? Werfzeep is a local artisan soap factory that uses only natural ingredients, resulting in a handmade product that’s extra gentle for the skin and the planet; it contains no trace of palm oil, plastics, synthetics or animal products. Instead, most of the ingredients are local and edible. Yum! werfzeep.nl/en

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FRUIT BUTCHERS

ROZE BUNKER IT BURNS

BRANDT CANDLES

Giselle Habraken started Brandt (which means it burns in Dutch) in 2016, after she learned the art of candle-making in Sunset Park, New York City. She calls it one of the most inspiring candle studios in the world.

Back in Utrecht she decided to start her own label, and now she creates beautiful handmade candles from soy and other plant-based products. The packaging is sustainable, and inspired by old-fashioned apothecaries.

The people at the Roze Bunker call themselves ‘fruit butchers’: they take fruit, vegetables and herbs (often locally sourced or rescued from the waste bin) and turn them into syrups. Because why should trucks full of sodas be traversing Europe, when they contain mostly water? Your tap can do the trick.

Bonus: a Dragon Sour or Raspberry Laos sounds much more interesting than a plain old Coke. rozebunker.nl

brandtkaarsen.nl

SHOPPING

CHOCOLATE DOM TOWER

CACAO

Next time you’re wandering along the Oudegracht, wander into Cacao (across Dille & Kamille), an artisan chocolate (work) shop full of mouth-watering creations.

Think: an enormous Dom Tower made of chocolate, chocolate lollypops with a Mondriaan design, or mango doused in the brown delicacy. They import their chocolate all the way from France, and that’s probably for a reason! cacao-utrecht.nl

Photography Birgit Loit, Marina Novosad, Evie de Heus, Laura de Rijk, Mariska Kerpel

PLANET PROOF

THE LEKKER COMPANY The Lekker Company started in 2014 as a Pinterest hobby at Dewi van de Waeter’s kitchen table in Utrecht: she loved making her own beauty products to avoid all the chemicals in store-bought versions. Nowadays, her company focuses solely on vegan deodorant, in a little paper jar, full of natural ingredients. Good for your body and the planet. thelekkercompany.com

MUSIC FROM A BOX

ROBIN WOOD

Rob de Looff, aka Robin Wood, transforms trees into music boxes. These trees often hail from Utrecht, and had to be cut because of a storm or disease, for instance. De Looff gives them a second life as tiny musical instruments. Available songs range from Led Zeppelin to Tchaikovsky, or even your own melody if you have some extra money to burn. en.robinwoodmusicbox.com

Sven Ratzke sings Bowie in an intimate setting

BUY TICKETS ONLINE KUNSTHALKADE.NL Kerry James Marshall, Vignette, 2003.

Defares Collection, Amsterdam

AIC 20-001 TellMeYourStory-MAG-92,5x126mm.indd 1

July 10th & 11th | 19:30u get your tickets at ssbu.nl

15-06-2020 11:58