Arcadia in Leeuwarden: where art and community come together

Leeuwarden, known in Frisian as Ljouwert, has been the capital of Friesland since 1524 and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2018. The city boasts over 500 noteworthy monuments and has long been home to distinguished and relatively affluent residents. Its rich and diverse cultural history remains clearly visible, both in the charming city center and in museums such as the Fries Museum and the Princessehof. Leeuwarden is also known for iconic landmarks like the Oldehove, the city’s leaning tower, and the Oldehoofsterkerkhof, the square at its base.

From May 17 to August 24, 2025, Leeuwarden will once again be all about Arcadia. This cultural program transforms the city and the province every three years into a vibrant stage for one hundred days of art, music, theater, stories, and encounters.

In 2018, the entire province spent a full year celebrating art, culture, and mienskip (community spirit). Back then, Arcadia collaborated with artists, residents, and creators to build a future-proof Fryslân—something to proudly pass on to future generations. That first edition left us wanting more.

In 2022, Arcadia returned with its first official edition: one hundred days filled with theater, visual art, music, dance, walks, poetry, conversations, encounters, and much more.

Now in 2025, Arcadia returns with the overarching theme “grûn”—Frisian for ground or earth. This theme is explored in three ways: as the physical ground beneath our feet, as fertile soil for ideas and inspiration, and as the personal or cultural background each individual carries.

A special highlight of Arcadia 2025 is the festive opening of Bouwurk on June 14, 2025. This large, sustainable structure is being built on the Oldehoofsterkerkhof in Leeuwarden and is an inviting project that everyone can contribute to. Bouwurk will become a place of connection, wonder, and creativity—a new cultural heart of the city during these special hundred days.

For more information about the opening of Bouwurk on June 14: click here
For the current Arcadia program: click here

Would you like to experience Arcadia yourself, combined with a fully organized cycling holiday along the Frisian Eleven Cities Route?
Take a look at our website:
www.frieslandhollandtravel.nl

For more information about Friesland and the latest news, visit:
Fries Nieuws