Pillar 2:
Inclusion in culture and through culture

Priority 14:
Strengthening cultural and artistic diversity

Rotterdam is a multicultural city with several religious buildings carrying a strong historical legacy. Following a 2022 policy plan for cultural and religious heritage, and amid growing concerns about ageing congregations, rising maintenance costs, and post-Covid social isolation, the city launched Heilige Huisjes – Holy Houses, a festival focused on the modern role that places of worship play for culture, spirituality, and social gathering.  

The festival is jointly organised by the city of Rotterdam and De Kerkvernieuwers, and brings together cultural organisations, local authorities, residents, artists, and heritage managers to co-create the programming in churches, synagogues, temples and mosques across the city during the Rotterdam Architecture Month. During the festival, visitors can discover religious heritage through activities ranging from bread-baking in the AyaSofya Mosque, to dance workshops in the Waalse Kerk, and more. 

Since 2022, more than 40 places of worship have joined Holy Houses, which has grown into a professional network that enables experimentation and cross-sector collaboration. In the 2025 edition, visitor numbers reached 6,000.  

Beyond the festival itself, the project helps break prejudices and build peaceful relationships across neighbourhoods, while also giving religious communities a chance to increase their audience and find a sense of pride in their buildings and heritage.