Cultureel Centrum Bullekerk

A cannonball lodged in the wall. That’s just one of the many stories whispered within the Cultureel Centrum Bullekerk. Here in Zaandam, the Bullekerk stands as a testament to resilience and transformation. Originally the Westzijderkerk, built between 1638 and 1640, this building has seen centuries of change. The Cultureel Centrum Bullekerk began its new life in 2019, breathing fresh cultural air into these historic walls. Its story starts with a simple design, a Greek cross layout, reflecting the Protestant ethos of the time after the iconoclasm of 1566. Extensions in 1672 and 1680 added gable ends, pilasters, and volutes. These additions shifted the building’s original form, creating the structure we see today. Inside, the Bullekerk boasts ornate additions crafted by local woodcarvers. These artisans, employed in Zaandam’s booming 17th-century shipbuilding industry, dedicated their spare time to embellishing their church. Admire the oak pulpit, the baptismal gate with arched panels, the two gentlemen’s pews, and the Ten Commandments board. Notice the intricate carvings on the mayor’s pew, depicting Faith, Hope, and Love, and King Solomon’s judgment. Look closer. You’ll find images representing Zaandam’s industries at the base of the columns. A striking pelican sculpture sits beneath the pulpit. The pelican, feeding its young with its own blood, symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice. Evert de Leeuw’s intricate woodwork, his trial piece from 1712, adorns the southeast wall. He later carved the balustrade of the organ case made by Johannes Duyschot. Stained-glass windows from 1682 and 1725 add splashes of color and history. One window lists the thirteen individuals instrumental in the church’s construction. It also features West Zaandam’s coat of arms, signifying the bond between church and state. Remember that cannonball? Found during construction, it likely dates back to battles with the Spanish. It suggests the church’s site once housed a defensive fortification. In 2018, facing dwindling congregations, the Protestant community entrusted the Westzijderkerk to Stadsherstel. The Stichting Cultureel Centrum Bullekerk, envisioned by two local entrepreneurs, now manages this vibrant space. They host a diverse program of cultural events, keeping the Bullekerk’s spirit alive for generations to come. The Protestant community still gathers here for services ten times a year, a thread connecting the past and present of this remarkable building. The Cultureel Centrum Bullekerk is more than just a building. It’s a living story, etched in wood and stone, glass and light.