Petrus Josephus Hubertus Cuypers was born on May 16, 1827, in Roermond as the ninth and youngest child of Joannes Hubertus Cuypers and Maria Joanna Bex. He grew up in his hometown and attended the Munsterkerk. He was also appointed city architect. His influence as an architect is still visible in various locations throughout downtown Roermond.
Who was Pierre Cuypers?
Life and Career
Cuypers believed that architecture is an instrument for national and spiritual renewal.
Personal Life and Legacy
While studying in Antwerp, Cuypers met his first wife, Rosalia Vandevin of Antwerp. They married in 1850 and had two daughters. Rosalia died of tuberculosis, as did their second daughter.
In 1859, Cuypers remarried Antoinette Alberdingk Thijm, nicknamed Nenny. Together they had two sons and three daughters. His son Jos and later his grandson Pierre Jr. followed in his footsteps as architects. Pierre Cuypers died at the age of 93 in his beloved Roermond.
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Discover his work
Altar stones from the Munsterkerk
Cuypers Walking Tour
Experience Cuypers in the City of Roermond
A Cuypers Walking Tour has been mapped out in Roermond that takes you past both well-known and lesser-known buildings designed by Cuypers. You’ll see the Munsterkerk and his statue on Munsterplein. On Swalmerstraat—one of Roermond’s oldest streets—you’ll find the Cloquet House at number 49, designed by Cuypers. Cuypers’ grave is located at the Oude Kerkhof. A visit to the Kruiswegpark is also well worth your while.
The Cuypers Walking Tour is available at our museum shop and at the Roermond Tourist Information Office.
Pierre Cuypers outside Roermond
Outside Roermond, his most famous works include the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Central Station, and De Haar Castle in Haarzuilens. But did you know that Cuypers was also involved in the renovation of the Ridderzaal in The Hague? This includes the throne from which our king delivers the State of the Union address every year. This throne dates back to 1904. He built and restored many churches (as many as 100) throughout the Netherlands. In Kranenbrug, a hamlet near Vorden (Gelderland), stands St. Anthony’s Church. This church, rectory, burial chapel, school, and schoolmaster’s residence together form one of the oldest Cuypers complexes in the Netherlands.
