The Arts and Sciences building
Many works have had their Netherlands premiere in the ‘K&W’ or Gebouw voor Kunsten & Wetenschappen (Arts and Sciences Building). It is the place to hear music, and it has a rich history.
The Arts and Sciences building
The Music Building
Rich History
The Arts and Sciences Building (K&W Building) was built on the foundations of St. Mary’s Church. Construction of this church began at the end of the 11th century and was completed around the middle of the 12th century. Together with four surrounding churches and the Cathedral as its center, St. Mary’s Church formed a Christian cross. The church was part of the Immunity of St. Mary, an independent ecclesiastical enclave within the medieval city.
From the mid-16th century onward, St. Mary’s Church fell into increasing disrepair, partly due to the Iconoclastic Fury and destruction by military forces. Only the Gothic choir, which was converted into a municipal concert hall in 1767, ultimately remained standing. In 1811, Napoleon had the remains of the church demolished to sell the materials. He used the proceeds to fund his wars. In 1844, the choir was also demolished, after which the Building for Arts and Sciences was erected on this site and opened in 1847.
In July 1974, the City of Utrecht ceased operations at the K&W building. In September of that same year, the city granted the Utrecht Conservatory permission to use the building. In early July 1975, the conservatory purchased the K&W building. Twelve years later, in 1987, the Utrecht Conservatory merged with the Utrecht School of the Arts. On March 12, 1988, a fire destroyed the K&W building; only the exterior walls remained standing. Fortunately, the building could be restored to its former glory. Remains of the 11th-century St. Mary’s Church can be found in the foundations of the K&W building, which have been made visible through a glass panel in the floor. The current courtyard with its cloister and herb garden still date back to the St. Mary’s monastery.
From the mid-16th century onward, St. Mary’s Church fell into increasing disrepair, partly due to the Iconoclastic Fury and destruction by military forces. Only the Gothic choir, which was converted into a municipal concert hall in 1767, ultimately remained standing. In 1811, Napoleon had the remains of the church demolished to sell the materials. He used the proceeds to fund his wars. In 1844, the choir was also demolished, after which the Building for Arts and Sciences was erected on this site and opened in 1847.
In July 1974, the City of Utrecht ceased operations at the K&W building. In September of that same year, the city granted the Utrecht Conservatory permission to use the building. In early July 1975, the conservatory purchased the K&W building. Twelve years later, in 1987, the Utrecht Conservatory merged with the Utrecht School of the Arts. On March 12, 1988, a fire destroyed the K&W building; only the exterior walls remained standing. Fortunately, the building could be restored to its former glory. Remains of the 11th-century St. Mary’s Church can be found in the foundations of the K&W building, which have been made visible through a glass panel in the floor. The current courtyard with its cloister and herb garden still date back to the St. Mary’s monastery.