Royal throne designed by Pierre Cuypers is coming to Roermond

18 December 2024

The Cuypershuis, in collaboration with the municipality of Roermond, will exhibit King Willem-Alexander’s Royal Throne. The throne was designed and crafted by Pierre Cuypers. The throne is not actually a museum piece. However, due to the special and unique connection between the Royal Throne and the Cuypershuis, the Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning, Mona Keijzer, is making an exception. The museum, the municipality, and the Central Government Real Estate Agency will be preparing the exhibition over the coming months. Details of the exhibition will follow.

Foto van de koninklijke troon Pierre Cuypers

In October, Mayor Hoogtander sent a letter to Minister Keijzer requesting her cooperation in exhibiting the Royal Throne. This request was supported by a letter of recommendation from Governor Roemer. This week, the municipality received a positive response. Alderman Vincent Zwijnenberg: “We are incredibly proud and honored that we have succeeded in bringing the Royal Throne to the Cuypershuis in Roermond. This brings the throne back to the place where Pierre Cuypers designed and crafted it. It is a symbol of craftsmanship that deserves a beautiful and educational showcase. That is why we will use the coming months to create a wonderful exhibition for our residents and visitors.”

Throne Speech
The throne will be on display in Pierre Cuypers’ former workshop. The government considers it important that the exhibition also highlight the constitutional aspect of the throne—particularly the significance of the King delivering the Speech from the Throne. The government also sets requirements regarding the throne’s security.

Cuypers’ Overall Design
Since 1904, the King or Queen has delivered the Speech from the Throne from this throne in the Ridderzaal. The throne is a highly recognizable design by Pierre Cuypers. In 1904, he renovated the entire interior of the Ridderzaal. He created a comprehensive design featuring specific medieval motifs, such as rosettes. These motifs are also incorporated into the throne.

Photo by: Dick Valentijn, Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, Document Number IvhB-0256