Academiehuis Grote Kerk, Zwolle

The church of St Michael, or Grote Kerk has stood in the heart of Zwolle for over 600 years. Today, this monumental building is called Academiehuis Grote Kerk Zwolle. It is still a central space to congregate and for contemplation, art and culture. The vast interior showcases the city's wealth and power through the ages and unfolds like a history book, revealing all kinds of fascinating contrasts. An unremarkable basin shows the sanctity of rituals surrounding the Mass, whilst a richly ornamented screen nearby was meant to block out all traces of the Catholic past. Look closely and you can discover them all: the trappings of power and prosperity competing with references to spirituality and charity.