The Markt (Market Square) is the most central point of 's-Hertogenbosch’s city centre. Unconventionally shaped (triangular-ish) it hosts several landmarks and events. The square also hosts the weekly markets, lively cafés and many shops.
Picture: Market Square at sunset showing the cafés, the well and the Moriaan.
the old Town Hall of Den Bosch
The old Town Hall (Stadhuis) of Den Bosch, located at number 1, is a mix of medieval architecture and more recent styles - mainly classicist - from the renovations it underwent over time.
This impressive building has been the administrative centre of the city since the 14th century and continues to play a pivotal role in the city's governance though it was extended and a new administrative building is located nearby.
Have a look at the top of the facade to see the " little horses" that go round every hour. If you like carillon, every Wednesday from 11:00 to 12:00 you can hear it play various classics but also more recent songs (such as the soundtrack of Amelie or even some Mariah Carey during the holiday).
Visitors can explore the impressive interiors during special events such as the Open Monuments Day (Open Monumenten Dag) or guided tours (usually in Dutch).
De Moriaan
On the other side of the Market Square stands De Moriaan (13th century) which is one of the oldest brick buildings in the city, possibly even of the Netherlands. It was historically significant and served various uses over time: a bishop's residence, a clandestine meeting place during the Reformation, and a church.
The building's architecture, with its distinctive red brick facade, provides a beautiful contrast to some more modern structures around the square.
The Moriaan faced potential demolition in the 1950s, but people advocated for its preservation and its restoration took place between 1963 and 1967. It now hosts the Tourist Information Centre.
the covered well
The puthuis on the market square of 's-Hertogenbosch, alongside the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwehuisje (statue of the Virgin Mary), is a reconstruction of a historical city water well.
Started in 2011, the reconstruction project was completed in 2016, coinciding with the Jeroen Bosch Year. The design is inspired by a circa 1530 painting, "De Lakenmarkt," that can be seen in the Noordbrabants Museum.
statue and houses of Hiernonymus Bosch
Originally placed in the centre of the Markt (1929), the bronze statue of Bosch was repositioned several times and during a renovation of the square it was placed near Bosch's childhood home.
The Huis van Bosch (house of Bosch) is now a museum dedicated to the painter. The house where Bosch lived later on is also located close by on the square.
V&D Building
The Vroom & Dreesman (V&D) building at the start of the Schapenmarkt was completed in 1931. On the front of the building you can see the sculptures of Mercury and Ceres, symbolizing trade and industry.
Though many original stained glass windows have been removed, several remain visible. This building, a national monument since 2001, is celebrated for its architectural significance and testimony of the social and economic developments of its time.
It has hosted several shops since the V&D closure and you can currently access part of the building only.
markets, cafés and festivals
No visit to the Market Square is complete without experiencing the lively market held there several times a week (main market is on Saturdays , a smaller market is organised on Wednesdays and a biological one on Fridays). Vendors sell everything from fresh produce and flowers to lunch from diverse food stalls.
Surrounding the Market Square are numerous cafés and restaurants which are busy all day long. Many establishments offer outdoor seating allowing you to enjoy the business of the square.
Many annual festivals and events take place on the Markt, to name only a few:
- Oeteldonk's carnaval: the Markt plays a central role in the festivities and hosts some of the statue of Knillis, one of the symbols of Oeteldonk (2 to 4 March 2025)
- King’s Day: flea market and concerts (27 April 2025)
- Ascension Day flower market on the whole square (29 May 2025)
- Jazz in Duketown: one of biggest jazz music festival in the Netherlands - free programme all across the city (6 to 8 June 2025)
- Kermis: annual fair featuring rides, games and snacks all across the city centre (22 to 31 August 2025)
