This mural by local artist Simian Switch adorns the historic Dolhuis building, now a venue for live music, a club, and a café. But this centuries-old building has a history far from festive.

The Dolhuis in Dordrecht once served as an insane asylum, later doubling as a reformatory and workhouse. Due to its remarkable archaeological and art historical value, this originally Gothic structure is a designated national monument. Despite numerous renovations, many original features remain intact. Today, most locals know the Dolhuis as a hotspot for parties and nightlife, a role it took on in the 1960s. The oldest part of the building, dating back to 1463, was originally a monastery and still stands at the corner of Boogjes.

The mural’s composition draws inspiration from the iconic parade in the Japanese movie Papurika.

About the artist:

Sammie, aka Simian Switch, is a talented illustrator and muralist from Dordrecht, Netherlands. His artistic journey began in the early 2000s and has flourished ever since. Drawing from Dordrecht’s rich artistic legacy, famous for its iconic Dutch, style graffiti writers, Simian developed a unique style blending tribalism, symbolism, and psychedelia. His work often features vivid, dreamlike yet gritty landscapes or portraits, playing with paradoxical themes.

He’s also the proud founder of Iconoclash and Meeting of Styles Dordrecht 2020.