Leeuwarden is a city full of cultural surprises. Of course, we have 11 beautiful museums, the Harmonie Theatre, the Neushoorn Pop Music Centre and a good cinema. But there are also plenty of other cultural surprises in the city. We always show a few of them on our walking tours in Leeuwarden. Here are 11 other tips.
1. Love Fontain / 11 fountains
The beautiful mist fountain Love was created in 2018 by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. Leeuwarden was the Cultural Capital of Europe that year. As part of the “dare to dream” initiative, every Frisian city was given a new fountain. This means you can now take a tour of eleven fountains. In our opinion, the fountain in Leeuwarden is the most beautiful. Two very large white children’s heads with their eyes closed, seemingly dreaming about the future. It is an eye-catcher for Leeuwarden and a popular photo opportunity.
2. Kunstruimte H47
H47 is an art space for exhibitions of contemporary visual art. It is tucked away in the Haniasteeg. The VDHG Foundation, Grafisch Atelier Friesand (GAF) and the Haniakunstenaars take turns organising exhibitions there. Each time, it is full of cultural surprises in Leeuwarden. H47 is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00.
3. Mural Roy Schreuder
This mural on Oldehoofsterkerkhof was created in 2020 by Roy Schreuder and Joram Roukes on behalf of the municipality. There are more than 70 (!) murals in the city centre of Leeuwarden. Curious? Book a Street Art Tour or pick up a Street Art Map. Book a Street Art Tour or pick up a Street Art Map.
4. Tresoar
Tresoar is Frisian for treasure trove, and this building, which is designed to look like a bookcase from the outside, is a real cultural surprise. It is a museum, archive and library for Fryslân. In addition to being a place for research, study or reading a book, there are always small, surprising exhibitions. Curious about what they are exhibiting now? Then check out the website.
5. Podium Explore
The former Westerkerk is home to the Explore the North festival. Under the title Podium Explore, they hosts a cultural programme throughout the year in this old church. Think poetry, language, stories and music. Every first Wednesday of the month, for example, there is “Woorden op Woensdag” (Words on Wednesday), where poets recite their work, followed by an open stage. There are also regular performances on Fridays. In addition, you can dine in the 100% vegetarian café every Friday. Curious? Take a look at the website.
More cultural surprises
There are many more cultural surprises to be found in the city centre of Leeuwarden. Small pop-up exhibitions, performances, and illegal street art are not listed in articles like this. You will only discover them if you join a guided tour. Your guide will not only show you the most beautiful hidden spots, but also tell you the most interesting stories. This really brings the city to life. Every Tuesday to Sunday, you can join a public Leeuwarden Free Tour. On Saturday there is also one in Engelish. On this city walk, you can decide for yourself afterwards what you think the tour is worth. In addition to the general tour, it is also possible to book a themed tour or hire a guide for your own group. For more information, see the overview of the walking tours in Leeuwarden.
6. Passage de la Baleine
This is French for whale alley, and the skeleton above the Oude Lombardsteeg is therefore not a dinosaur, but a whale. It is a work of art by Giny Vos from 2015. It has transformed the alley into a pleasant passageway from the Nieuwestad to the rear entrance of the Fries Museum. In the evening, the artwork is illuminated by LED lighting in the skeleton. Because this light slowly changes colour, the whale appears to be moving.
7. VDHG
VHDG (full name: Voorheen de Gemeente, formerly the Municipality) is an art initiative in the heart of Leeuwarden, focusing on experimentation and talent development in contemporary art. They present a stimulating programme of exhibitions, performances and workshops for young and old – always free and accessible to everyone.
8. De Beatriks
The old prison in Leeuwarden also houses a hidden music stage. For about 10 years, Podium Asteriks* was the birthplace of many enjoyable cultural activities in Leeuwarden. After a forced closure in 2018, the venue was given a new start in 2025 under a new name: De Beatriks. It aims to become the home base for the alternative music scene in Fryslan.
9. Mural LJ van Tuinen
Leeuwarden also has some beautiful street art to discover. In the summer of 2025, 30 new works were added. This mural in the Grote Hoogstraat by LJ van Tuinen was also added at that time. The title “Inter mundos” recurs in the work in several ways. In total, there are more than 70 (!) murals in the city centre of Leeuwarden. Curious? Book a Street Art Tour or pick up a Street Art Map.
10. Mural Annabel Adema
Annabel Adema has created a beautiful mural in the Vijzelstraat that not only reflects the colours of the street, but also its past and present. Around the mortar, there are references to the shops of today and yesteryear. If you look closely, you will also discover a reference to the sex shop that used to be here.
11. Klanderij Writer’s Block Murals
De Klanderij is a car park that was transformed in 2019 by more than 35 street artists. Since then, it has become a cultural surprise. In the years that followed, more works were added to the interior. Since 2019 is now behind us, you can see that in a number of works outside. Fortunately, there is much more street art in the city. Discover the works outside the city centre by bike with the help of the Street Art Map.
Have you found any pleasant cultural surprises in Leeuwarden? There are also 11 beautiful museums in Leeuwarden. View them on our map or ask your guide about them during one of the walking tours in Leeuwarden. Take a look at our other tips about Leeuwarden.