<blockquote>Uncover the hidden stories of Heerlen's past on an engaging guided tour of approximately 2 hours.</blockquote>

<div>You can find the starting point of your Heerlen experience in the corner of the square, at no. 40.&nbsp;<br><br>If opening times* are favorable to you, you should definitely start your tour with this ingenious introduction movie of the region through the ages. Beautifully produced, you can watch this 20 min. video for free on the first floor of the Visit Zuid-Limburg Experience Center. &nbsp;</div><div><br>Make sure to take a look around in the store itself as well, with local products, countless brochures of magnificent walking and cycling routes, and don't forget to leave your own digital graffiti artwork behind!&nbsp;<br><br>*Mon: 13.00–17.00 / Tue-Fri: 10.00–17.00 / Sat: 10.00–16.00 / Sun: closed</div><div><br>👣<br>To continue your experience, walk pass the entrance of the train station and continue walking with the building facade on your left hand side. You will pass the park-like Maanplein and it's Heliostaat (about which we will tell you more later). At the far end of the building, take the stairs down and follow the path with the railway track still on your left hand side.&nbsp;</div>

<div>This tourist inspiration point in Heerlen is the start of your discovery journey through Heerlen and the Parkstad region. Using five timelines that take you through the attractions and tips from local ambassadors, you will experience Heerlen and Parkstad at their best.&nbsp;<br><br>Virtual reality, 3D films, spraying your own (digital) graffiti and changing exhibitions make your visit a unique experience in one of the most significant train stations in the Netherlands.&nbsp;</div>

Visit Zuid-Limburg Experience Center Heerlen-Parkstad

Parkstad door de tijden heen

<div>Capturing the entirety of this expansive mural in a single glance while standing before it, proves to be an almost impossible task. Funded through a crowdsourcing effort amounting to 13k euros, likely with the generous contributions of community members, the artists aimed at portraying Heerlen's evolution away from its historical roots. Much like a phoenix emerging from the ashes, this artwork serves as a powerful representation of the city's metamorphosis, transcending its mining heritage and the socio-economic difficulties it once faced.<br><br>👣<br>Just a few meters further not a mural, but a next mining landmark will appear. <br><br><em>Video by Submedia</em></div>

Dave de Leeuw

Vincent Lancee

<div>A group of entrepreneurs, creative people and straight up Heerlen lovers, joined forces in a crowdfunding campaign to create a warm welcome to our city. Because of their love for the raw identity of Heerlen, they started a funding round throughout the city. It took them 2 weeks to collect the total budget of 12.000 euro. The mural shows elements of Heerlen that make up the city to everyone who rolls into town on the traintracks. The grey-ish Heron, rising from the 'ashes' made up of typical elements that make this region, is a symbol for a city struggling with it's past and trying to work on a better future.&nbsp;</div>

Heerlen Heron

<div>Step inside the breathtaking world of this former mining shaft, which operated 24 hours a day from 1898 until 1974. A total amount of nearly 32 million tons of coal was produced here.<br><br>And guess what? This historic mining shaft is still accessible as an essential part of the <a href="https://www.nederlandsmijnmuseum.nl">Dutch Mining Museum</a>. Keep in mind, just in case you have some time left today or tomorrow: the museum's HQ is just a few minutes' walk from here. If you have a passion for historical industries, this is a must-visit. Take a step back in time and let yourself be captivated in the old days of coal miner's lifes.<br><br>👣<br>To continue, the route will guide you through the gates of the site, walking straight past the mining shaft. But it is possible that, outside opening hours, this gate will be closed. In that case, you have to make a small detour around the site: keep following the path your on and take the very first path to the right. Soon enough you will notice the next location.</div>

<div>Step inside the breathtaking world of this former mining shaft, which operated 24 hous a day from 1898 to 1975. An astonishing total amount of nearly 32 million tons of coal was produced here.<br>And guess what? This historic mining shaft is still accessible as an essential part of the Dutch Mine Museum. Keep in mind, just in case you have some time left today or tomorrow: the Mine Museum's head quarters is just a few minutes' walk from here. If you have a passion for historical industries, this is a must-visit. Take a step back in time and let yourself be captivated in the old days of coal miner's lifes.</div>

Oranje Nassau Mining Shaft

Oranje Nassau mining shaft

<div><em>*Please note that this marker is not a part of the Heerlen's Color of History storyline. But since you're walking right past it, we thought you might appreciate mentioning it anyway.</em><br><br>This painting is about 750 square meters across twelve walls and should be the biggest one in Holland. But is it, still? Zedz only used three weeks to produce this bad boy and it isn't his first in Heerlen. &nbsp;</div>

Zedz

<div>This painting is about 750 square meters across twelve walls and should be the biggest one in Holland. Zedz only used three weeks to produce this bad boy and isn't his first in Heerlen.</div>

Untitled

<div>The original 'stertabak' ad was painted in 1917, like many 'billboards' at the time. Over time it lost it's shine (and relevance, the brand doesn't exist anymore) but was fairly well preserved because a new house was erected along side the painting. When that building was demolished at the beginning of the century, the ad was visible again. The new owners of this building totally loved the old painting and gave it a new lease on life with artist Ivo Benders from foundation 'Teekens aan de wand' from nearby city Valkenburg. <br><br>The building was originally built in 1913 as a cafe and a hair salon with upstairs apartment. A few [fun] facts? <br>- It was one of the first cafes duren the rise of the mines<br>- It was a safe house during WWII<br>- An American soldier used the toilet and lost a hand grenade in the sewer<br>- In the heyday of the mines, hard workers from far away places inhabited this building<br>- After the demise of the mines, ladies of easy virtue and addicts inhabited this building<br><br>Since 2019, this private home also functions as a B&amp;B, called <a href="http://theprojectheerlen.nl/">The Project</a>, with two rooms each having a unique mural in the room. Definitely our favorite location for your night away in Heerlen.&nbsp;</div>

Teekens aan de Wand

<div>The original 'stertabak' ad was painted in 1917, like many 'billboards' at the time. Over time it lost it's shine (and relevance, the brand doesn't exist anymore) but was fairly well preserved because a new house was errected along side the painting. When that building was demolished at the beginning of the century, the ad was visible again. The new owners of the building with the ad totally loved the old painting and gave it a new lease on life with artist Ivo Benders from foundation 'Teekens aan de wand' from nearby city Valkenburg.<br><br></div>

Niemeyer's Ster Tabak

<div>In the 1950s, seamstresses and ironers from the Textiel Industrie Mijnstreek were located here. The industrial character has been retained and magnified in Stan Lucassen's vintage shop. Unfortunately for us, openings hours are scarce: only Saturdays from 12.00 til 15.00.</div>

<div>In the 1950s, seamstresses and ironers from the Textiel Industrie Mijnstreek were located here. The industrial character has been retained and magnified in Stan Lucassen's vintage shop. Unfortunately for us, openings hours are scarce: only on Saturdays from 12.00 til 15.00.</div>

In de Oude Textielfabriek

<div>The Aurora: not only a gigantic residential building in Heerlen-Noord, but above all an art project since 2018 that has created excitement, connection and chance encounters. If you look closely, you will discover the beautiful message in the largest mural: "in het hart van elke Winter leeft een trillende Lente" [transl. in the heart of every Winter lives a vibrant Spring].<br><br>This residential building has had a bad name for quite some time. It matched the image of Heerlen as a run-down city after the last mine closed and drugs entered the city. Previous attempts to clean up the image of the apartment block failed to focus on the residents and their strength. What always was missing was the direct communication, contact with residents from bottom up: find their potential and capitalize on that. In Aurora, the strenght is definitely cultural diversity. Let's celebrate that. With help of this giant project led by Stichting Streetart Heerlen, Wonen Limburg and Boa Mistura - Aurora is slowly shaking off its bad name and starts flourishing. <br><br><em>Video by WonenLimburg</em></div>

Boa Mistura

TRILLENDE LENTE

Trillende lente

<div>STAAT DEZE MARKER WEL GOED?<br>[tekst check/ extra 3 zinnen door Tim]<br><br>Many different aspects of life and nature all mixed up into one beautiful composition. 'Green Over Gold' is a tribute to life and nature, being more important then the money chase. Or is it about nature's victory over human 'civilization'? This snapshot shows a contemplating monkey at bottom of the balance, but that might change when the triangle rotates...<br><br>[Wellicht iets over We like to think dat the title indirectly also refers to the regional marketing policy in which ... 'regio van zwart naar groen naar goud'...]</div>

Fish

<div>Many different aspects of life and nature all mixed up into one beautiful composition. 'Green Over Gold' is a tribute to life and nature, being more important then the money chase. Or is it about nature's victory over human 'civilization'? This snapshot shows a contemplating monkey at bottom of the balance, but that might change when the triangle rotates...</div>

Green over Gold

<div>[tekst door Tim]<br><br>The mural represents the struggle that Heerlen has been going through for over twenty years battling the coal industries collapse and drug addiction. The wild colors and images visually translate that struggle and is meant to empower and inspire the community to keep fighting.</div>

Cyrcle

<div>The mural represents the struggle that Heerlen has been going through for over twenty years battling the coal industries collapse and drug addiction. The wild colors and images visually translate that struggle and is meant to empower and inspire the community to keep fighting.</div>

Struggle

<p>Tirelessly, this 'koempel' raven continues to shovel coal, even though there seems to be no end in sight.&nbsp;<br>'Koempel' is the name this region used for a mineworker. The word is originally German and means something like 'friend', 'mate' or 'comrade'. <br><br>On behalf of Heerlen Mijn Stad, city center organisation and marketing, Dazetwo has placed five ravens depicting different aspects of the Heerlen's mining history. We'll help you find the other four!</p>

Dazetwo

<p>Onvermoeid blijft deze koempel-raaf kolen scheppen, ook al lijkt er geen einde aan te komen. In opdracht van Heerlen Mijn Stad heeft Dazetwo vijf beelden over het Heerlens Mijnverleden geplaatst.</p>

Koempelraaf

Koempelraaf 1/5

<div>FLY before moving on to the next marker!&nbsp;<br>Visit Angie's F.L.Y. conceptstore with the most beautiful vintage or new sustainable clothes (girls ánd boys welcome!) in the Oranje Nassaustraat. Some vintage homeware can be found in this cozy store as well. Fancy gemstones too? She has many!&nbsp;<br><br>Don't forget to ask her what the abbreviation of FLY stands for &lt;3</div>

<div>Vintage and new sustainable clothes</div>

FLY conceptstore

FLY concept store

<p>This 'koempel'-raven from Dazetwo takes care of the <em>Koelpiet</em>, or canary. Miners often took canaries into the mines. They did this because canaries are very sensitive to the gas that can be released during extraction, which is deadly for miners. Even small concentrations of the gas cause the canary to die. This was a sign to the miners that they had to leave the mine as quickly as possible. Without the canaries there would have been many more victims in the mines.&nbsp;</p><p>Three more to go! </p>

<p>Deze koempel-raaf van Dazetwo ontfermt zich over de koelpiet, oftewel kanarie. Mijnwerkers namen vaak kanaries mee de mijnen in. Dit deden ze omdat kanaries heel gevoelig zijn voor het voor mijnwerkers dodelijke gas dat vrij kan komen tijdens de winning. Al bij kleine concentraties van het gas overlijdt de kanarie. Dit was voor de mijnwerkers een teken dat ze zo snel mogelijk de mijn moesten verlaten. Zonder de kanaries zouden er in de mijnen veel meer slachtoffers zijn gevallen. In opdracht van Heerlen Mijn Stad heeft Dazetwo vijf beelden over het Heerlens Mijnverleden geplaatst.</p>

Koempelraaf 2/5

<div>Got thristy? Just look across the swuare to find Café Tess: a cozy gathering spot nestled in the heart of the city center, adorned with eclectic wallpaper, chesterfield sofa, and all the classic characteristics of a traditional 'brown cafe' as we call it here. Step inside and immerse yourself in its warm and inviting ambiance.&nbsp;</div>

<div>The most cozy café of Heerlen</div>

Café Tess

<div>Since 2020, several artists from the SCHUNCK Museum collection have created murals in the staircase of the iconic building. These interventions enhance the architecture, spanning across all five floors of the indoor staircase. Approximately every 6 months, a new artist is invited to contribute a mural, making each artwork inherently temporary.&nbsp;<br><br>This 'glass palace' is not only a museum, library, and music and dance school, but also an iconic building for Heerlen an the region. Curious about the history of this architectural masterpiece by Frits Peutz? Visit the free exhibition on the mezzanine in the central hall.&nbsp;<br><br>Got some spare time? Enjoy a cocktail at Mijnstreek on the fifth floor. From here: you can take in panoramic views of the entire city and beyond. It's the perfect opportunity to check if you've seen all the murals (spoiler alert: probably not).&nbsp;</div>

SCHUNCK Museum

SCHUNCK Glaspaleis - Peutz

<div>Step back in time at the 1930s Karmelietessenklooster, a hidden gem that holds the secrets of Heerlens' Roman past. Discover the life and work of Lucius Ferenius, the city's earliest known resident, and an indigenous Roman potter:<br><br>In 1971, a remarkable find brought his story back into the light. A pot inscribed with 'Lucius Ferenius made this pot for Amake' was uncovered, piece by piece.&nbsp;<br><br>Today, you can hold a replica of this remarkable artifact in the tranquil gardens of Luciushof. Explore the Roman herbs that flourish here and immerse yourself in the history that lies beneath this serene enclave.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Discover the ancient and modern splendor of this hidden courtyard with terrace and Roman herb and kitchen garden.&nbsp;</div>

Luciushof (De TWEE Gezusters)

Luciushof

<div>[tekst adding door Tim]<br><br>tekst over welkom in het Romeins Kwartier /&nbsp; rol van heerlen in romeinse geschiedenis<br><br>ondernemers hebben allemaal kleine virtine met romeins object in hun etalage</div>

James Jetlag

Yasja Ligteijn

Studio Giftig

The calm before the storm.

The calm before the storm

<div>[Tim kan hier nog een zinnetje bij?] The creators were inspired by the mining history of Heerlen. Miners took a little bird underground when mining to detect potential gasleaks. When the bird fell down, it was a warning for the miners to get the h*ll out of there.&nbsp;<br><br>In 2016 this mural won the Wonderwall award during the first edition of the Dutch Street Art Awards. Proud!&nbsp;</div>

Collin van der Sluijs

Super A

<div>The creators were inspired by the mining history of Heerlen. Miners took a little bird underground when mining to detect potential gasleaks. When the bird fell down, it was a warning for the miners to get the h*ll out of there. In 2016 this mural won the Wonderwall award during the first edition of the Dutch Street Art Awards.</div>

Koolpiet - forward in time

<div>[optie verwijderen]<br>Take a moment to pause and rejuvenate. Engage in a game of life-sized chess, sway on a swing, or simply stretch out and relax on the luch green grass. This constantly changing space invites you to unwind, connect with your playful side and embrace the simple pleasures of leisure. We thank this space to the super committed residents of Heerlen, who are not afraid to compete the municipality for a own piece of urban green in this long been concrete city.&nbsp;</div>

Stadstuin Heerlen

Stadstuin Heerlen - Promenade

<p>While enjoying a drink and a snack at Cappuccino Lounge, these dome ravens go underground in a mine elevator. Did you know that the deepest shaft of the Oranje Nassau I was 471 meters deep?</p>

<p>Terwijl er bij Cappuccino Lounge genoten wordt van een drankje en een hapje gaan deze koempel-raven in een mijnlift ondergronds. Wist jij dat de diepste schacht van de Oranje Nassau I 471 meter was?&nbsp;en in het Belgische Beringen nog eens 300 meter dieper?</p>

Koempelraaf 3/5

<div>The Dauts, a term of endearment for Dautzenberg, has now become the name of a vibrant gathering place that encompasses vintage finds, dreadlocks, ceramics, stained glass, tattoos, and paper art. With a powerhouse of six women in one location in the heart of Heerlen's city center, it has quickly become a hub of creativity and expression. Immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere and discover a treasure trove where art and craftmanship intertwine, celebrating the unique talents and passions of these remarkable young individuals.&nbsp;</div>

The Dauts

<p>[ADD VISUALS]<br><br>By the way?! Anywone who walks past the facades of this city center and looks up, sees a world of contrasts: the historic facades versus the modern life below is a testament to the city's rich heritage.&nbsp;<br><br>Heerlen's transformation journey was shaped by the closure of its mines and the ensuring challenges. For over three decades, this unique character has endured hardships. The time has come for a renaissance.&nbsp;<br>At least, that is the dedicated mission of Atelier Stadsrevisie: restoring Heerlen's facades to their original, charming spendor. Pat's Tosti Bar was one of the first to undergo this magical transformation. And luckily there are many more facades waiting!&nbsp;<br><br>Definitely make sure you look past the facade as well, as Pat makes the best sandwiches in town. To eat in (check out his local art collection) or to take away. Enjoy!&nbsp;</p><p><em>Image: Atelier Stadsrevisie</em></p>

<div>Patrick's sandwich bar has become an unmissable eatery in the city center of Heerlen. The speciality of the house is easy to guess: from classic sandwiches to experimental ones, making his menu constantly surprising and varying. All sandwiches can be ordered on the go or to eat indoors. Make sure to at least take a peek inside, because this cozy little shop has become a small museum with many works by local artists.&nbsp;<br><br><em>Picture by Luc Lodder</em></div>

Pat's Tosti Bar

<p>This location used to be one of the largest coal piles in Heerlen. Yet these dome ravens continued to bring mining waste to the mountain. At one point the mountain was so large that the houses in front of it were crushed and destroyed.<br><br>Can you spot the next one as well? </p>

<div>Op deze locatie stond vroeger een van de grootste kolenbergen van Heerlen. Toch bleven deze koempel-raven mijnafval naar de berg brengen. Op een gegeven ogenblik was de berg zo groot dat de huizen die ervoor stonden werden verdrukt en vernield.</div>

Koempelraaf 4/5

<p>While enjoying a drink and a snack at De Poort van Herle, these dome ravens are preparing for a new shift in the coal mines.</p><p>Did you know Dazetwo is well known by inhabitants due to all the ravens he left us in the city? You can find more  (historical) personalities in the citycenter (especially around the Maankwartier), as well as raven paintings. </p>

<p>Terwijl er bij De Poort van Herle genoten wordt van een drankje en een hapje maken deze koempel-raven zich klaar voor een nieuwe shift in de steenkool mijnen. In opdracht van Heerlen Mijn Stad heeft Dazetwo vijf beelden over het Heerlens Mijnverleden geplaatst.</p>

Koempelraaf 5/5

<div>[ADD AUDIO]<br><br>You probably haven't missed this enormous en impressive architectural piece of art, which marks the flourishing city center of Heerlen. We asked Heerlen artist Michel Huisman himself to tell you a little bit about it. Enjoy!&nbsp;</div>

Maankwartier

Maankwartier - Michel Huisman

<div>Welcome to The Heerlen Experience! A unique guided tour immersing you in Heerlen's vibrant history through a selection of its finest street art pieces. Uncover the city's hidden stories and meanings behind the artworks as this guide leads you on a fascinating journey through the streets, revealing the transformation from once-booming mining industry to a emerging center of creativity and expression.</div><div><br></div>

Uncover the hidden stories of Heerlen's past on an engaging guided tour of approximately 2 hours.

Street Art Cities

Heerlen's Colors of History

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