In the dunes of The Hague, where light can be so tangibly present, American artist James Turrell has created a place to look at the sky: ‘Celestial Vault’ in Kijkduin. The work has been permanent and freely accessible for three decades. Stroom Den Haag is celebrating the anniversary from September 18 to 20 with guided tours and a presentation on its origins.
A long staircase, an elliptical dune hollow, and a stone bench. Whoever enters Hemels Gewelf lies down and looks up. The shape of the landscape leads the gaze towards the sky; the heavens seem to draw closer and change shape. Light, clouds, time of day, and weather make every experience different.On this coming September 21st, it will be exactly thirty years since Celestial Vault by American artist James Turrell was completed and unveiled in the dunes of The Hague. It is one of the few permanently accessible landscape works by Turrell in Europe – an internationally renowned artwork that is free for everyone to visit, right here in The Hague.
No screen. No distractions. Just watching.
It is precisely in this respect that Hemels Gewelf feels remarkably relevant thirty years after its opening. In a world where our attention is constantly demanded, the work offers something rare: a place where you don’t have to do anything for a moment but look. Turrell makes the sky not a background, but a subject. Whoever lies on the stone bench becomes simultaneously aware of the light, the space, and their own way of seeing.
International artwork, Hague collection
James Turrell is internationally regarded as one of the most important artists working with light, space, and perception. His work can be found worldwide; recently, a ‘skyspace’ was installed in the Aarhus Art Museum in Denmark. The fact that The Hague possesses a permanent and freely accessible landscape work by his hand is exceptional. Hidden in the dunes near Kijkduin, art and landscape merge almost completely. Hemels Gewelf is therefore not only a work by an internationally renowned artist but also a special asset of The Hague: a piece of the sky on the coast, which remains a discovery for many visitors.
Anniversary weekend September 18-20, 2026
Stroom Den Haag, the initiator of the realization of Hemels Gewelf , is organizing a festive program with guided tours from September 18 to 20. Visitors will discover the work, its history, and the unique character of art in public space. Registration is possible via www.stroom.nl .
Additionally, at Stroom aan de Hogewal, there is a presentation featuring a model of Hemels Gewelf and photo and film material from the very beginning.
Featured Image: Gerrit Schreurs Photography
