The Green Cathedral: Where Art and Nature Meet

Amid the vast landscape of Almere lies a remarkable phenomenon: the Green Cathedral. This monumental artwork, designed by artist Marinus Boezem, merges architecture and nature in an unparalleled way. It consists of 178 Italian poplars, carefully planted in the exact shape and dimensions of the famous Notre-Dame of Reims. Completed in 1987, this living cathedral has since become an icon of Flevoland’s Land Art. 

The idea behind the Green Cathedral is deeply symbolic. Boezem aimed to explore the boundaries between culture and nature. By replicating a Gothic cathedral—an emblem of human creativity—using trees, the artwork highlights nature’s organic beauty and power. The poplars stand as natural pillars reaching toward the sky, allowing visitors to walk through the ‘nave’ of the cathedral and experience its peace and serenity. 

The Green Cathedral is not just an artwork but a living organism that changes with time. The poplars will eventually decay, leaving behind an open grass field in the same shape. This reflects the transience of both human and natural creations. The cathedral’s transformation invites contemplation on sustainability, heritage, and our relationship with the Earth. 

The artwork is part of Flevoland’s Land Art program, internationally renowned for its unique integration of art and nature. Other works in the region, such as Exposure and Aardzee, complement the Green Cathedral, making the province a haven for art lovers. A visit to the Green Cathedral is a unique experience that inspires and captivates.