Heritage

The Nyenrode estate enhances the unique experience of studying in Breukelen. This estate holds a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Support us in maintaining this exceptional campus, ensuring that future generations of students can thrive here as well.

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Our estate features an impressive 27 monuments and is recognized as one of the most remarkable business school campuses worldwide. It is our responsibility to preserve this valuable heritage for future generations.

Nyenrode is the Castle and the Castle is Nyenrode

In recent years, we have been able to invest in its heritage, such as the renovation of the Orangery, the Entrance Gate and the monumental exit gate. Nyenrode was honored with 'de Bronze Trowel' for the restoration of the exit gate.

Contribute to our historical heritage

Support us in maintaining Nyenrode's historical heritage. Every donation, large or small, contributes to the preservation of the splendid architecture, rich history, and meaningful traditions that make Nyenrode so exceptional.

Together, we ensure that this historical heritage remains a source of inspiration. For more information on donating, please visit the contribute page.

Current renovation projects

Bell Tower

The monumental Bell Tower of Nyenrode Castle has a special cultural and architectural-historical value. Nyenrode is the only Dutch castle with a carillon in the tower. Although the Castle did not have a Bell Tower from the start and it has been demolished and rebuilt over the centuries, the Bell Tower is partly decisive for the image of the current Castle. On special days for Nyenrode, such as graduation ceremonies, promotions, the opening of the academic year and the Dies Natalis, our professional university carillonneur, Jan Willem Achterkamp, plays the carillon in the bell tower. Unfortunately, the tower is currently in a deplorable state. Several problems have accumulated, such as wear and tear of the slates on the roof, cracks in the lead cladding of the crowning and the presence of white lead, which can lead to serious leaks. It is of great importance that a complete restoration of the bell tower is carried out in the short term to prevent further damage. The restoration is scheduled to start in September 2024. That is why we are currently working on a restoration plan and a financing plan. Your contribution is very welcome!

Quay wall

A significant part of the Quay wall collapsed before the summer. The wall had been showing signs of bulging for some time and it was later discovered that there was an ivy (climbing plant) between the cavity wall and the quay wall, which had been growing there unnoticed for decades and had contributed to the weakening of the wall. In addition, the foundation for the wall was inadequate. A thorough foundation investigation is currently being carried out to determine the right approach for the Quay wall. We are also looking for additional financing to restore the Quay wall to its original state. Your contribution can help with that!

Completed renovation projects

Monumental real estate of this size requires constant attention and investment. In the past 5 years, we have invested an average of €2 million annually in maintenance and restoration. This is partly why the renovation of the Orangery, the Gatehouse and the monumental exit gate was realised. Nyenrode was awarded the Bronze Trowel for the renovation of the exit gate.

Gate Building

In 2021, we successfully completed the restoration of the Gate Building (Poortgebouw), which dates back to 1916. This historic building serves as the entrance to the estate. During the university's 75th-anniversary celebrations, Hans Oosters, the Commissioner of the King in the province of Utrecht, officially reopened the building.

The restoration was made possible with substantial contributions from the Heritage Gems Fund of the province of Utrecht and the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund.

Vegetable Garden Complex

The monumental Vegetable Garden Complex at the Nijenrode estate is truly one-of-a-kind and holds significant cultural and historical value. A provincial grant from the Heritage Gems Fund enabled us to restore it to its former glory. The restoration took place in September 2019.

The Vegetable Garden Complex was established around 1910 under the ownership of castle owner Michiel Onnes (1878 - 1972).

Stichting Nyenrode Fonds - Moestuincomplex, nutstuin

Aviary Complex

The aviary complex comprises a pheasantry, a duck house, an aviary, a gazebo, and a feeding house. The restoration was completed in 2019. The desire to bring the bird enclosures back into use after restoration has been fulfilled. For the pheasantry, the species that inhabited the cages were known. Some of these breeds have now been reintroduced.

This project was made possible thanks to the Province of Utrecht, the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund, the Countess of Bylandt Foundation, and the Building Blocks for Animal Welfare Foundation.