Sacred Heart Statue, Arnhem

Attraction, Sculpture and Statue in Arnhem

Former Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Arnhem
Former Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Arnhem
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Henk Monster

The Sacred Heart Statue (Christus Heilig Hart) in Arnhem is a religious sculpture set into a niche above the west-side entrance of the former Heilig Hartkerk (Sacred Heart of Jesus Church) in the Hoogkamp area. It's not a standalone monument in a square; instead, it's part of the church façade, making it a small but meaningful detail to look for as you explore Arnhem's hillier, greener neighborhoods.

This is best visited as part of a self-guided walking tour that pairs residential streets with architectural stops: come for the church building itself, then linger for a few photos and continue toward nearby parks and viewpoints. If you enjoy spotting public art and historic details that many visitors miss, this is a satisfying, low-effort detour.

History and Significance of the Sacred Heart Statue

The Sacred Heart devotion became a widely recognized symbol in Catholic communities across Europe, and Arnhem's example reflects that tradition through a sculpted figure of Christ emphasizing compassion and protection. In Arnhem, the statue is closely tied to the former Heilig Hartkerk, a church built in the late 1920s that later lost its religious function and was repurposed.

What makes this stop interesting is the way the artwork is integrated into the architecture rather than presented as a separate monument. The statue sits in a niche above the entrance, so it reads as part of the building’s original visual program, guiding the eye upward and giving the façade a clear focal point.

Today, the statue also carries a quieter kind of significance: it’s a visible reminder of how Arnhem’s religious buildings have evolved over time, with many being adapted for new community uses while still retaining their historic character and exterior artworks.

Things to See and Do in the Sacred Heart Statue

Start by viewing the façade from across the street so you can take in the full composition: the entrance, the niche, and how the statue is framed by the building’s lines. Because it’s elevated, it’s worth stepping back to appreciate proportions and to get a clean photo without distortion.

Next, treat this as an architecture-and-neighborhood micro-walk rather than a single-point attraction. The Hoogkamp area has a calm, residential feel, and the church building itself is the main companion sight—look for details in brickwork, massing, and the way the entrance is emphasized.

If you're building a broader Arnhem itinerary, this stop works well as a connective moment between bigger-ticket sights: it's quick, outdoors, and doesn't require planning, so it's ideal when you want something meaningful without committing to a long visit.

How to Get to the Sacred Heart Statue

The nearest major airports are Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), all with onward connections to Arnhem. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Arnhem on Booking.com.

From elsewhere in the Netherlands, Arnhem Centraal is well connected by intercity trains, and from the station you can continue by bus, bike, or a taxi to the Hoogkamp area near the former Heilig Hartkerk. Train tickets and schedules are available directly through NS Dutch Railways and NS International for international services. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

If you're driving, Arnhem is straightforward to reach via the A12/A50 corridors, but parking can be limited on residential streets, so aim for legal curbside spots and be prepared to walk a few minutes.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Sacred Heart Statue

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the morning or late afternoon for softer light on the façade and fewer cars in the frame for photos.
  • How long to spend: Plan 10–20 minutes for viewing and photos, or 30–60 minutes if you’re combining it with a neighborhood walk.
  • Accessibility: The statue is viewed from the street and sidewalk, so it’s generally step-free to see, though the area can feel slightly hilly.
  • Facilities: There are no dedicated visitor facilities at the statue; plan for cafés and restrooms closer to central Arnhem or along your route.

Where to Stay Close to the Sacred Heart Statue

Base yourself in central Arnhem near Arnhem Centraal if you want the easiest transport connections and the most flexible day-to-day sightseeing.

Holiday Inn Express Arnhem A practical pick for short stays: reliable comfort, quick station access, and an easy start for day trips.

Hotel Haarhuis A classic, central option right by the station, great if you want a full-service hotel and a polished, city-break feel.

NH Arnhem Rijnhotel Chosen for riverside views and a calmer atmosphere while still being close enough to the center for easy evenings out.

Boutique Hotel The Church A characterful stay in a memorable building, ideal if you like design-forward hotels with a strong sense of place.

Stayokay Arnhem A budget-friendly, green setting near Park Sonsbeek, perfect for walkers and travelers who prefer nature-adjacent lodging.

Is the Sacred Heart Statue Worth Visiting?

Yes—if you like architecture details, local history, and small discoveries, the Sacred Heart Statue is worth a quick stop. It's the kind of sight that adds texture to an Arnhem visit: not a headline attraction, but a rewarding detail that helps you read the city's layers.

Honest Pivot: if you’re short on time and prefer big, destination-style landmarks or indoor attractions, you can skip this and focus on Arnhem’s major museums, parks, and riverfront viewpoints instead. This is best for travelers who enjoy slow travel and noticing the city’s quieter corners.

For Different Travelers

Different travelers will experience this stop in different ways, mainly because it’s quick, outdoors, and tied to a neighborhood setting rather than a ticketed venue.

Families with Kids

For families, this works best as a short “spot the statue” challenge during a walk, especially if kids enjoy looking for faces and figures on buildings. Because the visit is brief, it’s easy to fit in between playground time or a park visit.

Keep expectations simple: it’s a look-and-go stop rather than an activity. Pair it with a nearby green space so children have room to run afterward.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples who like quiet strolls and photography will appreciate this as a calm, off-the-beaten-path moment. It's especially nice when you're exploring Arnhem beyond the main shopping streets and want something that feels local.

Combine it with a café stop and a scenic walk to make it feel like part of a curated neighborhood date rather than a standalone attraction.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will like that this is a free, outdoor sight that still feels culturally grounded. It’s also a good way to build a full day of walking-based sightseeing without stacking up entry fees.

Because there are no facilities on-site, plan your route so you pass supermarkets or cafés for inexpensive breaks.

FAQs for Visiting Sacred Heart Statue

Getting There

It’s not right next to the station, but it’s reachable by bus, bike, or a short taxi ride. If you enjoy walking, you can also build it into a longer neighborhood route.
Yes, Arnhem is bike-friendly and this stop works well as part of a cycling loop. Bring a lock and be mindful of residential traffic.
Yes, because it’s attached to the former church façade, it’s a clear landmark once you’re on the right street. Use the church building as your visual target.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s visible from the public street. You can view and photograph it without entering a venue.
Not for the statue itself, since it’s an exterior architectural feature. Any costs would come from transport or nearby attractions you add to your day.
Some self-guided walking routes and architecture-focused explorations may pass by the former church. If you’re joining a tour, confirm the neighborhood coverage in advance.

Visiting Experience

Expect a quick, street-side viewing focused on the church façade and the niche sculpture above the entrance. It’s a calm stop rather than a full attraction.
Usually not, since it’s in a residential-feeling area and not a major tourist hub. You’ll likely have space for photos.
Only if you’re already nearby, since the experience is outdoors and brief. On rainy days, you may prefer indoor sights in central Arnhem.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as a short detour between central Arnhem and a park or viewpoint walk. It works best as a “connector” stop rather than the day’s main goal.
Both, but the architecture leads: the statue is most interesting in how it’s integrated into the façade. Think of it as a detail that completes the building’s story.
Pair it with a neighborhood walk and then continue to a larger attraction like a museum or a major park. This keeps your day balanced between small and big sights.

Photography

Step back across the street to capture the statue in context with the entrance and façade. This usually gives the cleanest composition.
A phone camera is often enough, but a modest zoom helps capture details since the statue is elevated. Try both a wide context shot and a tighter detail shot.
Yes, from public areas it’s typically fine to take photos. Be respectful of the surroundings and avoid blocking sidewalks.

Accessibility & Facilities

Viewing from the sidewalk is generally accessible, though the neighborhood can have mild slopes. The statue itself is above eye level, so you’ll be looking upward.
Not directly at the statue, since it’s not a staffed attraction. Plan to use facilities in central Arnhem or in cafés along your route.
There may be occasional benches in the neighborhood, but it’s not guaranteed. If you need regular rest stops, combine this with a park visit.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Not necessarily, as it’s in a quieter area. It’s best to plan your coffee stop before or after in a busier part of Arnhem.
Yes, if you combine the visit with a nearby park or green space. Keep it tidy and follow local rules.
Yes, especially once you head back toward central Arnhem where options increase. Public transport makes it easy to reposition for lunch.

Safety & Timing

It’s generally a calm, residential-feeling part of Arnhem. Use normal city awareness, especially after dark.
Morning and late afternoon usually give softer light and better contrast on building details. Midday can be harsher for upward-facing shots.
You can still see the façade, but details may be harder to photograph depending on lighting. If photography is your priority, visit in daylight.

Nearby Attractions to the Sacred Heart Statue

  • Park Sonsbeek: Arnhem's beloved city park with paths, views, and plenty of space for a relaxed walk.
  • Arnhem Centraal Station: A striking modern transport hub that's also interesting for architecture fans.
  • Eusebius Church: A major landmark church in the city center with historic presence and panoramic viewing opportunities.
  • Airborne Museum at Hartenstein (Oosterbeek): A powerful WWII-focused museum that adds historical depth to a visit in the Arnhem area.
  • Rhine riverfront (Rijnkade): A pleasant stretch for strolling, people-watching, and catching river views.

The Sacred Heart Statue appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arnhem!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Steenstraat, 6828 CA Arnhem, Netherlands
Arnhem: 1 km

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs