European Day of Megalithic Culture in the Netherlands
Sunday, April 27 – European Day of Megalithic Culture
This special day is organized by our partner network Megalithic Routes. Across Europe, people take a moment to reflect on megalithic structures such as Stonehenge, Carnac, menhirs, and dolmens. These are all, like the Dutch hunebedden, megalithic monuments—each with its own story. On this day, we highlight those stories through a varied program designed to offer visitors deeper insights into the history behind these ancient stone structures.
Build Your Own Hunebed
Children’s Activity (Registration Required)
In this 2-hour workshop, children will get the chance to build their very own hunebed! Luckily, not life-sized—otherwise we’d be here all day. During the workshop, children will learn why and how the Hunebed builders created these structures, explore the architecture behind them, and discover what hunebedden looked like in other parts of Europe—because yes, they’re not only found in the Netherlands!
Suitable for children aged 6 and up.
Start time: 13:00
Maximum: 10 participants
Cost: €7.50 per child (free for JAC members!)
Register by emailing: communicatie@hunebedcentrum.nl
(Please mention the name and age of the participant.)
D27 – The Largest Hunebed in the Spotlight
On this day, the largest hunebed in the Netherlands, D27, takes center stage. At the monument, you’ll find our Hunebed Host, who will be available throughout the day to share insights about the significance of this incredible place.
Painting Workshop: ‘The Largest Hunebed, D27’
In celebration of the European Day of Megalithic Culture, a painting workshop will be held on Sunday afternoon, April 27, led by fine artist Esther Schlebos. You’ll paint en plein air (in the open air), capturing the grandeur of the Netherlands’ largest hunebed, D27. Explore compelling compositions and marvel at the enormous glacial boulders that make up this stunning monument. At first glance, these stones may seem similar or unremarkable—but you’ll soon notice a rich variety of colors, textures, and mosses that make D27 a true work of natural art.
Who is it for?
This outdoor workshop is suitable for adults. Both beginners and experienced painters are welcome. Although not physically intensive, participants should be able to be outdoors for 2.5 hours. Painting from a wheelchair or seated is possible.
When:
Sunday, April 27 | 13:00–15:30 (with a possible slight overrun)
Price:
€35 – includes all materials and acrylic paint, plus a coffee/tea break with a treat.
Payment can be made at the museum front desk on the day of the event.
Registration:
Max. 10 participants.
Register by emailing: communicatie@hunebedcentrum.nl
(Please include your name and phone number.)
About Esther Schlebos
Esther Schlebos won the Prix de Norvège for her landscape paintings upon graduating from the Classical Academy in 2019. In 2020, she was invited by Kunst & Cultuur Drenthe to work for a month at the AADK Centro Negro in Blanca, Spain. Her work is regularly exhibited and is part of national and international collections. Stones and rock formations are a central theme in her paintings.
Her work can be viewed by appointment at Galerie Bonnard in Nuenen.
More info: www.estherschlebos.nl
Join a Guided Tour with Our Guide
Discover the time of the Hunebed builders—the first farmers in Drenthe—and visit the largest hunebed in the Netherlands!
This tour immerses you in the lives of the prehistoric builders. You’ll learn about the Stone Age house, funnel beaker pottery, and the tools they used for farming and daily life.
Start time: 14:00
Location: Museum hall
Duration: approx. 1 hour
