H. Hart van Jezus (Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church), Arnhem

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Arnhem offers visitors a clear window into the city’s early 20th-century spiritual life. Completed in 1928, the church was built to serve a growing Catholic community in the residential neighbourhood of Sonsbeek, which was expanding rapidly during this period. Its creation reflects a broader movement in the Netherlands to establish parish churches that combined traditional symbolism with contemporary design ideas, giving each community a distinct architectural landmark.

In contrast to Arnhem’s older medieval churches, the Sacred Heart presents a more modern interpretation of ecclesiastical architecture. Designed in a restrained yet expressive style, it features clean brickwork, a balanced façade and a prominent tower that gives the building an immediate presence in the streetscape. Inside, visitors encounter a calm, ordered space defined by soft light, carefully shaped arches and devotional artwork that aligns with the church’s dedication to the Sacred Heart. These elements create an atmosphere suited to reflection while still highlighting the craftsmanship of the period.

Another highlight is the church’s connection to local cultural memory. It sustained damage during the Second World War, like many buildings in Arnhem, and its later restoration formed part of the city’s broader effort to rebuild both structurally and socially. Today, the building no longer functions as a place of worship and has been repurposed as a health centre. For travellers exploring the city’s varied architectural layers, it remains a quieter yet rewarding stop that complements visits to the more prominent historical landmarks nearby.