De Stripmuur (the comicwall)

Description

In 2017, the city council decided to enhance the attractiveness of buildings. The De Kamp parking garage was the first to be given a makeover with murals. The elevator shaft of the Raaks parking garage was a wonderful place to do something as well; however, the existing tiles were rather dull. Haarlem comic artist Thé Tjong-Khing (Indonesia 1933) was asked to create a design. He was chosen because he appeals to two different types of audiences. Older comic fans know him from the comic Arman & Ilva. Additionally, many children have grown up with his children's books and illustrations.

What you can now see on the elevator shaft is a large green monster attacking the city of Haarlem. Famous comic book characters rush forward to protect Haarlem, as do famous Haarlemmers from the past. For instance, you see Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer with a sword and the Haarlem flag in her hand. It is said that she led the resistance of the women of Haarlem during the Spanish siege of Haarlem in 1573. If you look further, you can also see Laurens Janszoon Coster, the inventor of the printing press according to the locals, and the giant of Haarlem, Daniël Cajanus, standing over 2.60 meters tall. Among the comic book characters are many well-known figures, such as Aunt Sidonia from Suske and Wiske, Bianca Castafiore from Tintin, Elsje by Haarlem cartoonist Gerben Valkema, and Jopo de Pojo by Joost Swarte. Figures from the artist's own books are also on display: Annabella from the Lange Wapper, the green monster, and Mr. and Mrs. Dog from Waar is de taart?.

Diego Teroba carried out the work, assisted by designer Thé. Diego is known as a decorator and designer at Efteling.

The mural is spread across the four walls of the elevator shaft. To see everything, you have to take your time and walk around it slowly; there is so much to see.

It is nice that the artwork is well protected from the weather in this location by the glass shaft surrounding the elevator.

The comic strip mural was unveiled in 2019.

Hunter

Kees Huijer (iphonekees)
Took my first street art photo around 2012, I guess. Developed into a serious hobby over the years. Now trying to get my hometown Haarlem (and neighbouring cities Zandvoort and IJmuiden) on the street art map. 😉 Check my instagram feed for more street art: @iphonekees
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Location

Hunted on June 27, 2026
Hortusplein 2, 2019 XV Haarlem, Netherlands
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Hunted by Kees Huijer (iphonekees).
Pictures by Kees.