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This is unquestionably Dudok's masterpiece. Built in 1928-1931, this building has wide international fame and features in many architecture textbooks. The building has a remarkable shape and feels like a combination of 'blocks'. It's built with specifically designed yellow bricks that have a slightly different size than traditional ones. Dudok is also responsible for the interior, the furniture, the decorations and even the font used. If open, visit the Dudok Dependance, a permanent overview of Dudok's life and work organised by Museum Hilversum. Every Friday and Sunday at 13:30, there is a guided tour through the building for €8.50. You can just show up, you don't need to register beforehand. The tour takes 90 minutes and is given in Dutch, but the guide will also talk in English upon request. It gives you the chance to view some of the rooms that are closed to the public, such as the marriage room and the mayor room. If the weather allows it, you will climb the 46 m tower for an overview of Hilversum and the surrounding area. There are special arrangements possible for groups. For bookings, call the listed phone number or inquire at the Museum Hilversum.
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This Catholic church was built in 1889 from a design by architect Weeldenburg. Its front is in a neo-baroque style with a dome on top. The interior features stained glass windows and painted panels. It can only be visited on Wednesdays during summer holidays, between 12:00 and 14:00.
Between 1831 and 1841, painter Jan van Ravenswaay bought several farmlands west of Hilversum with financial support from friends in Amsterdam. Together with his cousin and hiking partner, the notary Albertus Perk, he created a leafy hiking trail from Hilversum to the forest area in the west. In 1848, the area of the trail was transferred to the municipality of Hilversum. It was one of the first public walking trails outside a town's built-up area. In the late 19th century, the Boombergwijk was constructed, and since then the trail is inside the town's built-up area. The Boombergwijk is among the wealthiest neighbourhoods of town with beautiful free-standing villas. Since 2006, the Boombergwijk, together with Trompenberg, has been declared a protected cityscape by the Ministry of Housing and the Environment. The park starts at the Rosarium, a rose garden with a monument dedicated to the victims of World War II, designed by V.P.S. Esser. The Boombergpark is best visited as a part of the Peerlkamproute hiking trail.
The medieval tower of this church is the oldest remaining structure in Hilversum, as it originates from 1481. The base of the church was built in 1891 in neo-renaissance style. It has been a victim of fires a number of times. The last fire was in 1971, after which the church was completely restored. It can only be entered during religious ceremonies.
Now home to Museum Hilversum and the tourist office, the building used to function as Hilversum's town hall in the period 1881-1931. It's a typical 19th-century building in neo-renaissance style. The museum's permanent collection is about the history of Hilversum after 1850. They also have temporary exhibitions, usually about photography, modern architecture or the cultural history of the Gooi area.
As early as the 1920s, biology scholar Jan Costerus wanted to educate the public about native flora found in Het Gooi and the surrounding area. He founded Hilversum's first educational garden in 1920, and it moved to its current location in 1930. Unlike most gardens, plants are not arranged aesthetically or by flowering season, but by family, on the basis of the Eichler plant taxonomy system. About 1200 wild plants, flowers and trees from all over the Gooi area and its vicinity are on display with name tags.
When De Vorstin opened in September 2010, it became an instant fan favourite. A strikingly modern interior, lively ambiance and acclaimed acoustics make it worthwhile to catch a live concert here. With a variable schedule, it's best to check the website for upcoming performances and times. While it's usually possible to book tickets at the door, tickets are more expensive and might be sold out, so it's better order in advance. Because of the acoustics, it regularly hosts televised singing competitions, such as the original first season of "The Voice of Holland", a television programme that originated in Hilversum and subsequently became popular in other countries.