Eusebius Church

Magnified micro organisms next to the church. historynerdxl (Atlas Obscura User)

On sunny days, the sun bounces off the south side of the Eusebius Church, drawing attention to something shiny on the arches.

The Eusebius Church of Arnhem was heavily damaged during World War II, most notably during Operation Market Garden. It took ages to restore the church. After the church’s restoration, it was adorned with artwork from Dutch artist Arno Coenen.

The statues that were already on the church were all biblical in nature and Coenen decided to add some new features devoted to religion and science. He chose to magnify some microscopic creatures not normally visible to the naked eye, like the amazing microscopical animal known as a water bear or moss piglet, a gleaming virus particle, and a sperm cell.

On the floor next to the church, visitors will find another enlarged virus and water bear, inviting guests to ponder about the visible and non-visible wonders of the world.

Know Before You Go

For the artwork, you'll have to go around the church to the south side, where the Koningstraat meets the Turfstraat. The church is well worth a visit itself.

There is an exhibition inside on the history and the restoration, a well-preserved medieval tomb and if you dare, you could go up to the tower and watch the view from a glass balcony.