Be inspired by the whispering art in the Grote Kerk or the colorful makeover of your favorite creative shops. Savour spring on the sunny terraces with authentic flavors from Italy, France, and Korea. Whether you’re looking for culture, creativity, or a culinary surprise, the city is brimming with opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and the new hotspots together!
Discover the talking mussels at On-eenig
Have you heard the mussels whispering in the Grote Kerk yet? Sliedrecht-based artist Jelle Korevaar is putting Dordrecht’s city center on edge with his kinetic installation On-eenig. Not a dusty monument, but an interactive wall installation made of 33 mussel shells that literally open and close the moment you raise your voice.
What makes this project special is the combination of high-tech engineering and social impact. Jelle spent a year building his own plastic press to turn old mayonnaise buckets and plant pots into shiny shells. He did this together with people who face barriers to employment, making the project both creative and socially meaningful.
“I want to show that, in a divided world, it’s precisely by continuing to talk and listen that we keep things healthy,” Jelle says about his work. “As soon as things go quiet, we stop moving forward.”
The inside of the mussels is shiny chrome, a nod to the saying “speech is silver, silence is golden.” But in this case, it’s the other way around: your voice brings the art to life. The result is a beautiful, delicate interplay between technology, recycled materials, and the history of the Synod. Step inside the Grote Kerk, make yourself heard, and set the mussels in motion. An absolute must-see for every resident of Dordrecht!
Find new creative inspiration at Pipoos
Since February 13, Pipoos in Dordrecht has been completely renovated and is ready to welcome creative minds. The store at Visstraat 100-102 now features a fresh, modern interior, with new floors, lighting, and neatly organized shelves. “First, we spent a week clearing everything out. Then the contractors got to work for us. And after that, we set everything up again with some help,” the staff explain enthusiastically!
The selection is extensive and up-to-date. Whether you want to draw, paint, crochet, knit, bake, do scrapbooking, or make jewelry, you’ll find everything you need at Pipoos. There’s also plenty of supplies for creative projects with kids. The renovated interior and extensive collection make Pipoos more than just a store—it’s a gathering place for the creative community in Dordrecht. At the grand opening, there was a long line of enthusiastic customers, happy that their favorite creative store was open again. Pipoos invites everyone to bring their ideas to life, find inspiration, and get creative!
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at B&B Focaccina
At Scheffersplein in Dordrecht, you can savor the flavors of Italy and even stay the night. B&B Focaccina offers a unique combination of a culinary experience and a cozy stay. The bed & breakfast is located above the restaurant, which serves focaccia, traditional pesto, and lasagna, among other dishes. The B&B was established when the apartment above the restaurant became vacant. Since December, the owners, Brisilda and her husband, have been welcoming their first guests, who can choose between a room or the entire apartment.
The first floor features a kitchenette and a cozy sitting area. On the second floor, you’ll find the bedroom and bathroom. The goal is for visitors to feel welcome right away. Brisilda says proudly: “We want people to feel right at home. They can also peek into the kitchen and see what we’re doing. Everything is homemade.”
Visit B&B Focaccina for authentic Italian cuisine or a comfortable stay in the city center. The passion for the craft and Italian hospitality make this a unique spot in the city. It’s a place where you’ll immediately feel like staying longer. Highly recommended for every visitor!
French crêpes and fresh smoothies at Lulu Crêpes
What could be better than sitting in the sun while enjoying something sweet and delicious? Lulu Crêpes, new in Dordrecht at Sarisgang 35, brings a little piece of France to the city with colorful crêpes and refreshing smoothies!
The menu features a wide selection of crêpes, generously filled with all kinds of sweet toppings. Everything is freshly prepared, so each crêpe not only tastes delicious but also looks festive. In addition to the crêpes, you’ll also find unique drinks here. Owner Walid talks about the Batidos, a Caribbean smoothie: “It’s not just ice cream, but a well-filled smoothie…” The small patio invites you to sit back, people-watch, and sample the cheerful, colorful crêpes.
The story behind Lulu Crêpes makes it extra special. Walid used to make crêpes at a hotel and later decided to bring his passion to Dordrecht. The result? A cozy spot where you can enjoy delicious French crêpes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Crispy Delights at Hanguk Chikin
Hanguk Chikin brings the Korean culinary experience to Dordrecht. Located right in the heart of Kinopolis, you can easily combine a trip to the movies with authentic Korean fried chicken. The chicken is crispy, juicy, and prepared using traditional Korean techniques. The sauces range from spicy to sweet and give every bite a unique flavor! “It’s one-of-a-kind in Dordrecht,” says owner Li Jian proudly. “Here, you can truly have a Korean experience, from fried chicken to dumplings and corndogs. And it’s accessible to everyone, thanks to competitive prices and generous portions.”
With spring just around the corner, the patio becomes a sunny spot to relax. Starting in April and May, Hanguk Chikin will also be open in the afternoons. This way, between movie screenings or on a free afternoon, you can enjoy a refreshing soju, one of the many Korean drinks, or one of the new desserts like Bingsu, the Korean shaved ice with fresh fruit. Hanguk Chikin is a refreshing and, above all, flavorful addition to Dordrecht’s city life!
